Still in the Box

John 4:23-24. NIV

23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

I gotta be real today. Tis the season to be jolly:

lively happiness and good cheer

: expressing, suggesting, or inspiring lively happiness and good cheer :

But, I am finding it hard to be jolly as I sit here resting before tackling the next project. I have only crossed 2 things off my list of 20 or so to do today. I’m not overwhelmed. I am not stressing. I am not dreading the tasks. Just not “jolly” about these tasks.

As I sat down to rest my foot and back, I glanced over to the window to see the Christmas tree still in the box, and I just laughed. As you can see in the picture, LuLu could care less. Lola is snuggling into her blanket for her mid-morning nap. Lady is resting in my lap while Lacy is outside having the time of her life chasing squirrels.

As I sit here listening to Christmas music and thinking back to Christmases past, I see in my minds eye the beautiful tree lit up and decorated, beaming with life.  The tree always went up the day after Thanksgiving and came down New Years Day. It was tradition. It was just something we did, and no one questioned it.

As life has evolved, my attachment to the way I have always done things has wavered. When I mention my tree still isn’t up, people are shocked, and I just shrug my shoulders and come up with an excuse. There is no room. The cat tree is where the Christmas tree goes. I have not had time. The Christmas decorations are buried. Anything but the truth comes out.

I tease my husband for saying this, but can I be honest? Christmas has gotten lost for me this year. As I have learned, it’s not about the gifts, Santa, carols, lights, special meals, and trees. The lure of Christmas has lost its sparkle. It has lost its truth.  It has gotten a place of honor it never deserved.

Now, please hear me.  I am not being scroogly. The grinch hasn’t stolen my Christmas spirit. I don’t feel rejected by the reindeer who won’t play games.  I have not been left home alone. I have not been derailed by the embomable snowman. I certainly haven’t been following Frosty all through the town. But perhaps I have collected some dust sitting on a shelf.

I think for the first time in my 55 years of living, I want the love of family. The peace of just being with those we love. The excitement of seeing their smile is better than any lit tree ever.

The tree will eventually come out of the box today. The stockings will be hung with care. The gifts will be wrapped. The table will be prepared for the traditional candle light spaghetti & lasagna dinner. But, just for a moment, I am going to sit here and rest. I am going to give reverence to why we have this holiday.

For unto us a child was born. A child who would save the world. A child given to us so we may have hope. Abundant Hope. A child was given to us to bring us peace. Unexplainable Peace. A child was given to us for love. Everlasting Love.

I’m not sure where you stand this Christmas season, but I know beyond the shadow of a doubt Jesus loves you. He came to give you life. He was sent by a loving father to bring to you light, and I am not speaking of Christmas Tree Lights. The Light of Life.

Even though my tree is still in its box, Christmas lives in me, and His name is Jesus. Jesus is my light. He is my refuge. He is my friend. He is what keeps me moving forward. I pray this Christmas you feel the love of God. Whether your tree has been up for days, still in the box, or even non-existent, choose to believe Christmas lives in your heart.

Being “jolly” is a choice today. Spreading “cheer” is a choice.  Being “lively” is a choice. So today, I will choose to be jolly in my tasks and believe it will bring good cheer to those around me.  May I be a lively little elf preparing for tomorrow’s family gathering.

And may I forever know that even if I didn’t unbox the Christmas Tree this year, Christmas will still be alive in my heart. It will shine bright every time I speak the name of Jesus.