Thoughts on . . .

Christmas is perpetually "wrapped" for many people.

. . . wrapped in the bandages of bygone hurts and disappointments,

. . . wrapped in the plastic of sophistication which prohibits childlike wonder,

. . . wrapped in the tinsel of a materialistic binge,

. . . wrapped in the confetti and streamers of empty partying,

. . . wrapped in the busy-getting-ready preparations.

Most of these "wrappings" are the wadded packagings of Christmases ruined in other times, at other places. Sadly, the impact carries on year after year. And year after year, it sours and spoils Christmas for people . . .

- who had a heartbreak one Yuletide, and now always associate the season with that tearful memory,

- who have been burned out over family stresses surrounding the holidays, so that now these days are dreaded instead of anticipated with joy,

- who became wearied with the emptiness of superficial gift giving when love seldom attended the presents, and now wince at the idea of Christmas shopping.

Dear friend, if you see yourself in any of these descriptions, would you be brave enough to pray with me, "Father, forgive us our Christmases, as we forgive those who Christmased against us."

Christmas is a God-appointed celebration of life. In the name of Jesus - the One who came to give us light and life - lay hold of the Christmas season this year with rejoicing. Refuse to let the Prince of Darkness smother another Season of Light. He sought to murder the Baby of Bethlehem those many years ago and today, he seeks to ruin your celebration of His coming. Resist him with all the strength your Lord provides.

In the beautiful name of Christ Jesus our Lord, be free, dear one. Be untied. Be unfettered. Be unwrapped.

Take my hand . . . let's dance toward Christmas!

-thoughts by Jack Hayford, Moments with Majesty, Multnomah, 1990, pp.253-4