Feeling Christmas-ey

This is the first time in a long time that I am feeling somewhat Christmas-ey. I grew up in a religious tradition, where Christmas, as far as a religious holiday on a calender, was never emphasized. After growing up in the glory days of Christmas, where the experience seemed magical, I have had to relearn Christmas as a grown man. I think it has helped me greatly that I have the ability to allow my son Jacob to experience that same magic. My wife and I got up at 6:15 am on black Friday to experience the craziness and the chaos of what comes with this shopping day. (I still am not a big fan on how Christmas is largely becoming more and more materialistic.) We found several sales on gifts for those that we love, including Jacob. I also have purchased my first Christmas album called Christmas Songs, by Jars of Clay. And believe it or not, I actually enjoy the songs atmosphere and mood.



I guess I am trying to relearn Christmas and the magic that I experienced growing up. And I believe there is something magical in a holiday that should center on loving and giving. And even though my tradition always taught me to not see Christmas as a religious holiday, I can't help to think that we might be wrong, or we are being mislead. There is something religious about everyday. There is gifts to appreciate from Jesus in the mundane. This does does not suddenly stop on December 25th. Even beyond that logic, I cant help but get excited about the fact there is a lot of Jesus going around. He is in the airwaves, on the front lawns, and even on Hallmark cards.

I wish for my goal this year and going forward to relearn Christmas and the celebration of audacious love and giving. I want to be apart of the magic with my family. And in doing so, I don't want to leave my friend Jesus out of the picture. If God allows the mundane to become sacred, I trust that he will also allow national holidays to do that as well.

Merry Christmas, and have a happy New Year!

-dj

http://audaciousliturgy.blogspot.com/