Tis the season of greetings! You’ve undoubtedly received and given a number of said greetings in recent weeks. Whether they come in the form of Christmas cards, songs on the radio, decorations adorning houses and lawns, or through interpersonal interactions with family, friends, and acquaintances, season’s greetings abound this time of year. There are more than a few from which to choose.
The most common greeting has to be the classic, Merry Christmas! Were you to make your way to the UK, the greeting would only change slightly to Happy Christmas! Perhaps you prefer your greetings with a bit of Latin flair and Feliz Navidad! Maybe you want to convey warmer wishes, so you offer the island greeting Mele Kalikimaka! Or, perhaps you want to cover all of the bases so you wish people Happy Holidays!
Just because the season is meant to be merry and bright, that doesn’t mean that we are. Sometimes the season feels holly, jolly; sometimes Christmas ends up feeling blue.
All of these season’s greetings have something in common. They are all decidedly positive, which makes sense. All of these greetings are wishes, hopes, and prayers concerning what you will experience during the holiday season. No one is going to be super appreciative if you wish them a Crappy Christmas! But, if we’re honest, sometimes our Christmas wishes don’t come true. Just because the season is meant to be merry and bright, that doesn’t mean that we are. Sometimes the season feels holly, jolly; sometimes Christmas ends up feeling blue. I don’t think that’s all that different than how people experienced the first Christmas.
The magi were certainly filled with excitement and anticipation as they made their little road trip. These folks had studied their whole lives and now all of that learning was paying off as they followed the stars to celebrate the birth of a new king and the Light of Life. After overcoming the shock and awe of a host of angels popping out of nowhere and filling the night sky with their song, the shepherds shuffled into town to receive the free gift God had sent for them. I’m guessing they were overwhelmed with gratitude; they were just happy to get an invite. As unpopular as this idea might be, I believe that first Christmas was a bit bittersweet for Mary and Joseph. The miraculous birth of the Christ probably resulted in more than a few awkward interactions at the family gatherings in Bethlehem. Not to mention the fact that their holiday travel was not to celebrate, but to be counted in a census so the government could collect taxes.
Seasons greetings do nothing to change our circumstances. Rather, they remind us that God, in His grace and mercy, sent Jesus to join us in the real of life.
As we continue to make our way through this Christmas season, we will all continue to offer and receive season’s greetings. Seasons greetings do nothing to change our circumstances. Rather, they remind us that God, in His grace and mercy, sent Jesus to join us in the real of life. He has come to provide us with power to persevere in the season’s struggle and inspires gratitude and gladness in the seasons of celebration.
Wherever you find yourself on the spectrum during this holiday season, I pray that the Lord blesses you and fills you with the hope, peace, love, and joy that has been made available through the coming of Jesus Christ. HAPPY HOLIDAYS! FELIZ NAVIDAD! MELE KALIKIMAKA! GLAD TIDINGS! And above all, a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!
