Praying that Christmas Will Come
“He made himself nothing
taking the very nature of a servant.”
Philippians 2:7 (NIV)
Each year in the days between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I pray that Christmas will come, not just on the calendar, but also in my heart. And while I’m pretty certain December 25th will actually come and go, I’m never quite sure that I’ll experience or even recognize Christmas coming in my own life and heart. It’s that moment of inexplicable joy that comes when God reaches down and touches our ordinary moments and makes them extraordinary. I don’t want to miss it like so many in Jerusalem did when Jesus was born two thousand years ago and like many of us do today with our busy-nes and packed schedules.
Three weeks ago, I decided that the best Christmas present I could give my mother-in-law Mimi would be a morning shopping trip to her favorite clothing store. Now in her nineties, Mimi is pretty amazing. She still lives independently in her own home, attends church, and remains physically and mentally active. But she doesn’t routinely shop. And while she’s mastered her iPad for Facetime calls and texts with her children, grandchildren, and great- grands, Mimi hasn’t yet graduated to “click and ship” shopping!
The day before our Christmas shopping trip, I went preview shopping, selected several clothing items in what I hoped would be Mimi’s current size and favorite colors, placed them on hold, and prayed we would find at least one item that she liked and would fit. The next morning, my sister-in-law Mary Ann and Mimi joined me for our shopping adventure. We spent about 90 minutes trying on clothes before leaving the store with four items that actually fit Mimi’s tiny frame. As we headed to the car with her rollator and new purchases, Mimi said, “Oh thank you, Donna! I’ve been praying that somebody would take me shopping!”
In that moment, Christmas came. It came, not because I spent my money, but because I gave my time, a much more valuable gift.
Fast forward to the next week and Briarwood’s annual Walk-Through Nativity(WTN) event. Our WTN features live animals (including a camel) and eight dramatic scenes that depict Jesus’ life from his birth to his crucifixion and ascension. It was always one of James Bruce’s favorite Christmas experiences. This year over 11,000 people attended the three-night event and heard the good news of the Gospel. Christmas came as Bruce and I, along with 650 other volunteers, served cookies, directed traffic, or acted in the dramatic scenes. Dozens of special needs families attended with many of them saying gratefully, “Thank you for doing this.” Christmas came!
The “this,” of course, wasn’t our store-bought cookies; it was the gift of place. The gift of place is where one is accepted, affirmed, and allowed to grow. Many special needs families are unchurched due to their child’s behavior or disability. The Walk Through Nativity occurs outside and is user-friendly and thus allows these parents and children to experience Christmas without fear of disruption or judgment.
Christmas has come over the last two weeks in more unexpected ways, once again God touching my ordinary moments and making them extraordinary. Christmas came when:
While babysitting, Mary Clayton whispered with a quick kiss, “Mia, you’re the best grandmother ever!”
Serving at Big Oak Ranch and being gifted with a 50th anniversary Christmas ornament.
Helping with the Briarwood Special Connections Christmas party and seeing how that ministry is growing and flourishing.
Sharing Advent with our granddaughters, generation to generation.
Christmas comes when we follow Christ’s example, empty ourselves of ourselves, in order to serve others. Jesus said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and give his life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
“God came” is the message of the Gospels. The Incarnation is not just a mystery; it’s the Grand Miracle! (C.S. Lewis) While Caesar was counting his people, God was actually becoming one. God no longer called to us; He came to us as a baby. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14)
Christmas can now come to us because Christ came for us.
Joy to the world, the LORD has come!