December is here once again and many of us are looking forward to Christmas—Planning, parties, presents, packages, special meals, sending cards, baking cookies, and the list goes on. For many years Christmas may have been hectic for some people — more shopping, more rushing, planning for family get togethers, lots of baking and cooking more than usual. But this year is different. COVID-19 has made this year a hard year for so many. It is a sad year for many. But I want to encourage you to keep the true Spirit of Christmas alive in you.
I heard a song many years ago sung by Sandi Patty called Merry Christmas with Love:
She leaned her head on the window
Watching evergreen bend in the snow
Remembering Christmas the way it had been
So many seasons ago
When the children would reach for their stockings
And open the presents they found
The lights on the tree would shine bright in their eyes
Reflecting the love all around
But this year there’s no one to open the gifts
No reason for trimming the tree
And just as a tear made its way to the floor
She heard voices outside start to singMerry Christmas to all who may dwell here
Merry Christmas if even just one
May the joy of the season surround you
Merry Christmas with loveThe carolers sang as she opened the door
Faces of friends in the crowd
And all of the shadows of lonely reminders
Were driven away by the sound
Now the heart that for years had been silent
Was suddenly filled with a song
As she clung to their hands like a child in the night
She found herself singing alongMerry Christmas to all who may dwell here
Source: Musixmatch
Merry Christmas if even just one
May the joy of the season surround you
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to all who may dwell here
Merry Christmas if even just one
May the joy of the season surround you
Merry Christmas with love
Songwriters: Smiley Billy Lee / Davis Greg Wayne
Merry Christmas With Love lyrics
© New Spring Publishing Inc, New Spring Publishing, Inc.
As I listened to that song so many years ago now, I had at that time only had Christmas celebrations with my family: My father, mother, and eventually 4 sisters; and as we grew boyfriends and brothers-in-law were added to the mix. My favorite part was not the gifts, it was not Santa Claus, and, even though I am a Christian, my favorite part was not reading the story of Jesus being born in a manger. My favorite part of Christmas was everyone in the kitchen cooking and preparing the Christmas meal together. My dad would cook homemade pies and stuffing from scratch. My mom would prepare the turkey and side dishes. And all of us children would help with setting the table and making the relish tray filled with pickles, olives and such. Christmas was a time of family gatherings together all united together for one purpose and one project—Christmas dinner. Family—It’s a great feeling at Christmas time to all be together.
So, when I listened to that song about “Merry Christmas if even just one” I was shocked to realize that some people cannot celebrate with family. Maybe the kids have grown and gone and are celebrating with their own families. Maybe for another reason or another families cannot join together. “Wow!! That really happens?” I thought. What a tragic thought I had back then. When we are children, we think everyone has the same experiences because that is all we have ever known. I thought everyone gathered in the kitchen and cooked a great meal together. I thought everyone joined in Christmas morning to open gifts. This song was an awakening to me.
Well, this Christmas may be different to a lot of people because of COVID-19. But this year, let us remember the true Spirit of Christmas. Let us remember that Christ left His Father. He left His home. He travelled to earth to be with us and show us the way to the Heavenly Father. So as some of us may not be able to go home this year, as some of us may be alone and/or unable to celebrate as we desire due to sickness, poverty, or loneliness, let us remember Jesus, too, left His father and felt alone in a world far different from the Paradise He had known.
So, Merry CHRISTmas to all. Even if it is just one. Have a great Christmas season and remember the reason for the season.
LIFE'S JOURNEY 