If you're like me, Christmas is a mixed bag. The joy and anticipation of the holiday is on the forefront of your mind and heart, but underneath, like a splinter that irritates you constantly, is the nagging question: will this Christmas be all that I want it to be? Spiritually, I know Christmas is all about the Babe in a feeding trough, God who moved into our neighborhood (John 1: 14, The Message). But somewhere in my brain, that doesn't always translate into an abiding peace in the middle of Advent. So how can I enjoy Christmas more? Here's the one key I've found:
Don't expect perfection.
Sometimes, I feel like Clark Griswald in my desire to set up the perfect Christmas for my family and friends. (Yes, I referenced Christmas Vacation...) But the truth of the matter is that we live in a fallen world. Perfection is impossible this side of heaven.
The store won't have the size you want.
The turkey will burn.
Family members will disappoint you.
You will receive random, unwanted, tacky Christmas presents from well-meaning people who really don't have a grasp of you or your personal style.
You will get distracted from worship and look around to see who's wearing a Christmas sweater.
My goal this Christmas isn't perfection. It's finding God and the mystery of the incarnation in the ordinary. My daughter's questions about God. The beauty of lights set against the nightime sky, reminding me of the ultimate Light that has permanently pierced the darkness. Appreciating and loving my family members for who they are, not what I want them to be.
My goal isn't the perfect holiday, but a holiday in which I saw the sacred in the Santa Claus, the Miracle amidst the madness.
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