Christmas Comes

I was worried about myself for a while. In my anti-consumerism Christmas attitude I think I became sort of a grinch for a week or so. Having spent the last two Christmases in countries void of the curse of consumerism it was a little overwhelming to be inundated with Christmas music on the radio and catalogs in the mail beginning in November. It was just...annoying. I don't know if the Michigan snow or maybe even the Tulsa snow helped me to stop and remember the simple beauty of Christmas, but I was inspired all of the sudden. I was itching to put up lights, decorate the house, and bake while listening to Christmas music...remniscent of my childhood. The Crews girls headed to Home Depot to get a fresh wreath and then I spent some time at Walgreen trying to find the cheapest lights possible. I found some time at 10:30 that night to hang the lights around the poles at our house and the wreath on the front door. After all the extension cords were in place, I woke Abbey up for "lights on." In her groggy state she said she liked it, but we both agreed that the poles looked a little like cacti (I will try to post a photo of it so you get the gist). Regardless of the desert theme, the atmosphere has changed from anti to beautiful. Christmas in America is great when the focus is on the beauty Christ brings through 4 year old Christmas plays, the choir cantata, baking with family, crisp winter nights, and even simple ascetics. It is more than a choice of consumerism or anti-consumerism...it is the choice to celebrate Him or ourselves. And in choosing Him, Christmas truly comes. I don't know why this is such a powerful thing for me, but I know it has changed my perspective on spending Chrismas state-side. This morning I found myself belting out "O Holy Night" on the way to work. Christmas music on the radio, redeemed! It's a good thing. And I am thankful.