Dec 18, 2007

Christmas Memories

Advent Candles - Covenant Baptist Church - San Antonio, Texas

Christmas memories are powerful for us. The secular and sacred holidays collide with an impact that shakes our wallets and our souls. I remember Christmas of 1988, waiting for my first child to be born. She was due in January and Jeanene was very pregnant through the holidays. Advent and waiting never seemed more real to me. These days I try to concentrate more on Advent than Christmas. Advent is counter-cultural. While our culture becomes loud, Advent worship calls us to silence. While our culture becomes rushed and harried, Advent is about slowing down and embracing the idea of waiting.

Everyone has their own unique set of Christmas memories, both good and bad. For many, the Christmas season is the one that never quite delivers. Our culture ties satisfaction and happiness to buying and receiving just the right gifts. We people of faith understand that possessions do not of themselves lead to happiness, but it's hard not to get caught up in the craziness. Some people grieve terribly at Christmas. The loss of loved ones around this holiday forever colors the way a person feels about Christmas.

A number of High Calling Bloggers have written about the Christmas they most remember. I commend them to you. ---- Real Live Preacher

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