So this is Christmas...

I am such a romantic. Have you ever watched all those old black and white Christmas movies where the main character contently crunches through the snow, passing by window displays of toy trains and porcelain dolls...or how about those fabulous (over-dramatic) hallmark movies where tragedy takes hold of a couple's life, they grow apart the days before Christmas, then after decorating their trees alone and realizing their need for each other, they get back together in time for Christmas eve :) *sigh*

Every time I take a walk in the city, I think, "Why can't real life have a soundtrack?" The chorus of violins never seems to take my cues: "Okay, this is a sad moment! Play something depressing!" A taxi honked once, though! ;)

Where are you this Christmas? I've tried to get in my usual reflective mode to evaluate where I've been these last few months--have I learned and if so, what? How have I impacted people? Where do I go from here? I think these questions are good and serve their purpose. Be encouraged to really learn the art of reflection. How can you move forward if you don't know where you've been? God gifts us this gift of memory and a processing mechanism to work through it. Take advantage of such.

As you think through, be mindful and watchful of people near to you--not necessarily just those you know. I read an incredible book last night titled, "Days of Glory, Seasons of Night." The daughter of a famed missionary described her families struggles through life and rejection. Her older sister was an outward example of everything a Christian young woman should be, yet her journals and letters reveal an open wound of a life. She committed suicide at the age of 28, not because she doubted God's love for her, but because her anxieties were so overwhelming that she could not hold her head above them. No one knew of her struggles until after her first failed attempt to take her life. We all have heard that suicide rates rise during the Christmas season, much due to the fact that it's hard for people to be alone during these special times. OPEN YOUR HOME TO THOSE THAT ARE ALONE. No one should dread Christmas or "celebrate" it alone.

Be glad for this season. I know it's hard for non-snowed folks to understand the concept of winter ;) but the idea of a season for things to die off and wash out seems sad. Spring comes soon, though, and new life grows. This is the whole idea: regeneration. God gives us some wonderful visible examples for what He does in our lives.

This morning, Mike Kellogg, one of the famous radio voices of WMBI, is coming to chapel. Every year, one day at the end of school, Mr. Kellogg sits in his big leather chair, the auditorium lights dim, and he reads us Christmas stories :) A room full of young and old adults reverts back to childhood as we listen to stories of snowflakes and Christmas cookies :) Create Christmas traditions in your families...they provide wonderful memories for your kids when they are grown.

Blessings,
Emily