So this is Christmas...

Its Christmas morning here. I just finished talking with my family who was celebrating Christmas Eve. I'll talk to them again tomorrow morning when they celebrate Christmas with my sister's family.
And to be honest, I'm not very excited or happy right now. I read my friend's blog posts of Merry Christmas wishes and pictures under the tree. I read Facebook updates of "Merry Christmas" and "Have yourself a very merry Christmas." All of this does not put me in the Christmas spirit, but instead crushes my spirit. Today is gonna be rough. I want to be curled up on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate, a fire, and most importantly my family. I want to see my niece and nephew open their presents and play with them. I want to open presents. But not today. Next year, I guess.
Right now I would be at the Christmas Eve service sitting next to my family, holding a candle, and singing "O Come, O Come, Immanuel." Its one of my favorites. The lights would be dim as the reflection from the candles gently dance across the people's faces. There is a calm sense of peace, as people realize that Christ has come. When the candles are extinguished, the children will suddenly not be able to wait for tomorrow morning, or to get home to listen for Santa. The adults can't wait to get home to finish their last minute wrapping. But for those few minutes when the candles are lit, all that disappears, and their is peace. But for me, not today. Next year, I guess.
I miss the joy that comes with the Christmas season. Sure, there is the hectic and unfortunately now deadly shopping, but overall there is a joy. Conversations are lighter, people's spirits are higher. Strangers don't seem so strange and friends become family. I miss that. I won't get that this year. Next year, I guess.

So, my friend, please cherish today. Reach out to someone that has no one for Christmas. Its the loneliest day of the year for those without family. I'm certainly not going to go into the "remember the true spirit of Christmas" spiel we hear every year, but please remember that everyone in this world needs someone. Are you willing to be that someone? Are you willing to be the person that brings God's peace, turns a stranger into a friend, and then into family?

There is no snow here, no Christmas trees in stores where Christmas music is being played. There are no greeting of "Merry Christmas" as you walk down the street and greet friends and neighbors. No Christmas parties. In fact, for most people here, life goes on as usual. I can go to any store today because they are all open. Its just any other ordinary day for them.
If only they knew that today is anything but ordinary. Today is the day that Christ came and promises to return again for them. If only they knew. This year the people won't know it Christmas. Not today. Next, most definitely.

I'm not writing this to make you all feel down. On the contrary, I want you all to realize God's blessings. And once you realize them, share them. There is no danger in sharing our blessings. I assure, there is no danger. So do it. Share your blessings. And in return, you will gain more blessings. Its a pretty good deal if you ask me.