Time was with most of us, when Christmas Day, encircling all our limited world like a magic ring, left nothing out for us to miss or seek, bound together all our home enjoyments, affections, and hopes; grouped everything and everyone round the Christmas fire, and make the little picture shining in our bright young eyes complete.”
–Charles Dickens
“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.”
–Calvin Coolidge
Christmas time can be tough. I have read diaries and journals of Christmas times under harsh conditions. Just think of those soldiers in the freezing weather during the Battle of the Bulge, Christmas 1944. Two great American songs of Christmas come out of World War II; think of the words and the soldiers far from home the next time you hear, “White Christmas,” or “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” Today we have centers for counseling of those who are disappointed at the election. I guess different times, different character of the people, different value system, and different outlook on life.
There is a poem by Red Steagall that speaks of a family dirt poor. However, the father would not let the children go without a Christmas tree. He went out and found a tumbleweed and they decorated it as a family with all sorts of things they made from stuff laying around the house.
Here is a note from the historian of the 116th Pennsylvania regiment. “Christmas Day [1862] was celebrated in the camp; many boxes of good things from home were received, and shared by the recipients with comrades less fortunate. Some of the boys were a little homesick, to be sure, but enough were sufficiently light of heart to drive dull care away. A large Christmas tree was erected in the centre of the camp, and peals of laughter and much merriment greeted the unique decorations, tin cups, hardtack, pieces of pork, and other, odd articles being hung on the branches. At night the camp fire roared and blazed, the stars shone above the tall pines, and the canteen passed around, and care banished for the hour.”
The key to the matter is not only attitude, but the realization that Christmas comes from the heart. It is a recognition that the Father, who sent His Son over two thousand years ago is still watching down upon His children. I look at those who seemingly cannot handle life and shake my head. It is easy to see how the Antichrist will be able to dupe them. They will be hungry and in despair and he will offer them relief at the expense of taking his “mark.”
The Christian, with his hope and faith, should have the ability to make something good out of bad situations. Life goes on, responsibilities continue despite circumstances. To smile, serve, and enjoy even the few blessings of the moment no matter the circumstances, is a mark of Christian maturity.
“So we ask: if all the decorations, gifts, and yuletide celebrations were stripped away from us at Christmas, could we still celebrate the birth of Christ with joy?” (Tuley)
“If indeed you remain grounded and steadfast in the faith and are not shifted away from the hope of the gospel that you heard. This gospel has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and I, Paul, have become a servant of it.”
–Colossians 1:23 (HCSB)