How do you celebrate Christmas?
The spirit of Christmas brings forth the desire to be merry and light-hearted, hence the saying, “Merry Christmas!” But Christmas is also a time for reflection of the most glorious of days when the Light of the World came down.
It’s easy to get caught up in the activities, but there is something about a Silent Night that also appeals to my soul during this time of year.
I long to take a moment to sit under the stars and contemplate that special night when the Savior of the world made His grand debut as a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. Can you imagine what it would have been like to hear the angels singing, “Glory to God in the Highest!” heralding the best news that mankind has ever received?
Because Light came down that day, there is now the possibility for peace to exist on a war-stricken earth and the opportunity to extend goodwill towards others. If we seek Him out, then we come to the realization that we were put on this earth not for our own pleasure, but to glorify something bigger than ourselves. Christmas is a time to let our hearts receive the gift of the Messiah and all He represents, such as salvation and eternal life and His Light in our lives.
All of these things require a time of reflection and pondering, just as Mary did on that miraculous night (even though that night probably wasn’t so “silent” for her). Yet amid all the cattle lowing and the shepherds praising, the gospel of Luke tells us, “But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them.” (Luke 2:19)
So yes, we celebrate the season with friends and family, enjoying all the good food and festivities, letting our hearts be merry. But we also follow Mary’s example and slow down for a time of reflection on the wonder of it all.
May your days be merry and filled with His Light.