Light

As I sit here on Christmas Day, laptop and brain going at the speed of...nothing, I feel compelled to write. But write about what? It's Christmas, presents have been opened, the carols have been sung, Jesus came to save the world and....and...Something is missing. I can't put my finger on it, don't see it as plain as the nose on my face and if it were a snake it surely would have bit the other finger that's pointing directly at it.

So what's missing? Snow?

The rain is pouring (more than my words) instead of snow gently falling. I would never be happy in Florida at Christmastime. Though most scholars are sure Jesus was born in the summer months, thanks to movies, Christmas cards and "Jingle Bells," the perfect Christmas is made complete by at least an inch or two. But snow soon melts, the brown and empty trees become bare again and we're left with the same bleak winter. So, it must not be snow.

What else could it be? Santa Claus?

I do miss the fun and fantasy of Santa Claus. Now that my children are older, Christmas is more...calm, less frantic or hectic and almost...too mature! No more fake reindeer tracks, sleigh bells mysteriously ringing in the night or a faint "ho, ho, ho" heard outside their window...(Yes, Katie. That was me.) Now when they come down the stairs, their faces are still glowing, but their legs are slowing! No more magic or make-believe, or reading "The Night Before Christmas." This morning, both Katie and T.J. read passages out loud from the Bible before we opened presents. Instead of Santa, they smiled as they read of angels, shepherds and a young couple traveling--scared and weary---as they looked to find a place to bring their baby King into the world. So, while Santa Claus is missed, the true meaning of Christmas and baby Jesus has rightly taken his place.

So, if it's not Snow or Santa...what could it be? Why do I feel as though I'm hunting in the dark? Searching...without even knowing what I'm searching for?

"I could use a little help here, Lord. I feel lost, vacant, useless and used-up. A shell. Where's the joy? Where's the happiness you promised? Isn't it supposed to 'appear' on Christmas? Isn't that what Christmas is all about? Joy and happiness? Contentment? A perfect world?

Wait a minute. Oh, I get it. You're trying to tell me something, aren't you? I'm beginning to see the light. Light...hmmm." Light and life to all He brings...

"I've not let you in today, have I? I've been so stressed, too tired and falsely focused. I've not opened myself up to let your light shine in me today--of all days! I'm sorry. No wonder it was so dark and dreary in here."

If you've ever been in total darkness, you know the power of one, tiny flame.

When Christ entered this dark world over 2000 years ago, he was a tiny baby...that became the Light of the world!