A Christmas of Choice
As the darkness of winter settles in, a beacon of hope shines bright. For one young woman, her first Christmas away from family loomed large, a daunting prospect. With her brother serving abroad, another brother thousands of miles away, and her parents on another continent, the festive season seemed hollow.
A Lonely Christmas Morning
How could joy possibly penetrate the isolation of her big city apartment? Who would share in the excitement of unwrapping gifts? The answers came in an afternoon phone call. She had chosen to start her day with a leisurely breakfast, followed by a quiet moment of reflection, reading the story of Christ’s birth surrounded by candles and a small, decorated tree.
Choosing Joy
As she opened each gift, she thought of those who cared deeply for her, even in their absence. The morning’s solitude was replaced by a sense of connection and gratitude. Then, bundled up against the cold, she embarked on a long winter walk in the nearby city park, embracing the beauty of the snowy landscape.
A Celebration of the Heart
Her day culminated in a small downtown church, where she joined a diverse group of people gathered to celebrate the Savior’s birth. Though it was her first Christmas alone, it wouldn’t be her last. She was learning that true celebration begins with a choice – a decision to focus on the heart of the matter, rather than the circumstances.
The Power of Attitude
Emotions may swirl, but we have the power to choose our reactions to the situations we find ourselves in. As German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who gave his life for his faith, so eloquently wrote in his Morning Prayer from prison:
“O Heavenly Father, I praise and thank you
For the peace of the night;
I praise and thank you for this new day;
I praise and thank you for all your goodness and faithfulness throughout my life.
You have granted me many blessings;
Now let me also accept what is hard from your hand.
You will lay on me no more than I can bear.
You make all things work together for good for your children….
Thank you, Father, that Christmas is first and foremost a celebration of the heart. May mine be pure.”
A Lesson for Us All
As we navigate the complexities of life, may we remember that true celebration begins with a choice – a decision to focus on the heart of the matter, rather than the circumstances. May our attitudes be shaped by faith, hope, and gratitude, and may our hearts be pure, even in the darkest of times.
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