So I was patiently waiting in the cashier's line at Target, when I noticed the lady checking out had three carts full of expensive gifts. I was astonished when I overheard the cashier reveal the dollar amount of her purchases. This lady looked a little frazzled and stressed as she thumbed through her purse in search of that credit card. Once she found her card, she justified her three carts (more like sleighs) full of presents, by mentioning she is going to win the hearts of her children this year. My heart instantly ached at her comment.
Her card was denied. She insisted the cashier try again. Denied again. Her big shopping carts full of already bagged stuff suddenly seemed even bigger and more full by the embarrassment she must have felt. The cashier was trying her hardest to be polite but the card wasn't working. The stressed out lady then decided to let her frustration out on the poor cashier. It was sad to witness such a horrific scene of belittling and disparage. In my mind I said, "Merry freaking Christmas."
No room at the inn.
We all know the story of how Joseph and Mary were told in Bethlehem by the Inn Keeper there was no room for them in the inn. The Savior of the world was born in a stable. We all know this humbling story of the birth of Jesus. We know it so well that we are speeding 20 miles over the speed limit, honking at the cars in front of us, eating dinner in the car which consists of fudge and Christmas cookies our neighbors dropped off last night, and yelling at the kids in the back seat as we try to make it on time to the "Nativity Pageant" our daughter will be the Mother Mary in. Sound a little familiar?
No room at the inn.
Do you ever catch yourself saying as you wrap gifts, "I should probably get this person one more thing?" Isn't it funny how we almost feel empty inside if our gifts we are giving don't measure up to some made up social standard? I have to admit, I love to give gifts -but the energy of chaos I feel in the air when I go shopping and witness angry shoppers, guilt driven parents, and credit cards swiping left and right makes me think of how we have closed our doors to the meaning of Christmas, locked out, and simply say, "I'm sorry, there's no room at the inn."
So I sit here before bed and question, "How do I welcome Christ into the inn this Christmas?"
I need to let go of spending too much, going so fast, being everywhere at once, baking too much junk food, sleeping too little, worrying about pleasing, and just let Christ create the miracle of Christmas. Chay and I need to start spiritual traditions with our children. Maybe a calendar with a scripture of Christ each day of December?
Any ideas?
6 comments:
hmm no room at the inn... maybe make a manger like box and on December 1st come together as a family and write down on little pieces of paper things that you can do for one another or for the neighbors or for people in the ward... whatever.. and fill the manger up with these Christlike activities and focus on doing the activities before Christmas day. Show your children just how much room for Christ there is in one tiny manger box.... I don't know.. work with it.. I'm just elaborating from your theme.
April... I love reading your writing. Absolutely love it.
Have you read the traditions in the Ensign this month? It is in the Question & Answer section. There are lots of Christ-centered traditions there, you could tweak them to fit your family. I thought there were some great ideas. I really liked the one about doing the 12 days of Christmas by reading 12 different scriptures of gifts that Christ has given us. A couple of things we do are giving a gift to Christ every year & doing several acts of service throughout December, in which the kids are included. They love it! I like the idea of an advent calendar focused on Christ....hmmm....I may go with that too!
Super thoughts today April! You are a fabulous writer!
Wonderful thoughts April. And once again you have a wonderful way of making it seem like we are right there with you.
That sounds like a great idea to me :)
Wow, this was really powerful...you are a terrific writer, April. I felt every emotion...and sadly I have had years when I have felt that Christ got lost somewhere in the Christmas maze. I now find Christ by praying and reading the scriptures every day, by not stressing if something doesn't get done, by not over spending, by doing simple crafts with the grandkids, by being kind and patient with everyone no matter where I am and by embracing friends and family through cards, phonecalls and letters if a personal visit is not possible. I think what people are really searching for and want this Christmas and always is a listening ear, a caring heart, and a Christ like example...someone to love them...someone who makes room for them in their Inn.
I am the owner of an inn and I find this offensive.
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