The Gift

11/28/2020

Romans 3:24 “Being justified freely by His grace…”

We decorated the inside of our house for Christmas today. After clearing away the usual tchotchkes, my husband and son grabbed all the bins we have nicely stored, and positioned them in the kitchen. We unpacked everything and – as is our custom – placed every precious, colorful, or silly item on the table and the island. Then we surveyed the area and got moving as we listened to various Christmas CDs. We chose each placement very carefully and tried to make the combinations of items grouped together pleasing to the eye. We hung bells on doorknobs and garland in the doorways. Today we also chose a place for the tree. This year it will be artificial. I never had an artificial tree growing up that I remember, and my son definitely hasn’t. It will be different for sure, but then so many things this past year have been different, so why not one more thing?

This year we have decided not to buy each other gifts. We have threatened this before, but always cave into the joy of giving the ones you love something special. This year, again, there are so many other things to be focused on and thankful for. The Covid-19 pandemic has taught me a lot, and has changed the way I experience the world in more than one way. It has given me quiet time of reflection, and drawn me closer to my Lord. It has made me appreciate every precious moment I have with my husband and my son, and makes me miss others that I love even more, knowing I should never take the time I have with any of them for granted. This unusual time has really helped me to recognize my blessings and pull away from material things of this world. Covid-19 has changed the way I live completely, and our different Christmas is just a byproduct of that change.

Our family feels liberated in this course of action. We are still going to celebrate, but in a very different way. We will focus on what the day truly represents. It is not just the day to celebrate the birth of our Savior, but also to reflect on why He came to Earth. It is a day to celebrate the powerful love of our Lord. It is a day to rejoice in the gift of mercy and grace that has come. It is a time to reflect on the real gift of the season.