Expectation Vs. Reality

     We've all read about it in books, heard about it in programs, and seen quotes on the front of Christmas cards: the perfect, peaceful Christmas. We have come to expect it. In our minds, we know exactly how the soft glow of lamplight and string lights should reflect off the mounds of pure snow. We hear joyful anthems ringing in the crisp, clear air while stars twinkle overhead, and know the carolers will soon be gathering inside somewhere, sipping cups of hot chocolate or wassel while little banners of steam rise from the mugs.
    We know exactly what delicious smells should come from the kitchen and how the children will try to sneak extra pieces of home made candy when no one is looking. There will be lots of laughter and sharing of memories, and of course someone will read in somber tones the story of the first Christmas from the book of Luke. 
    This is what we plan for— the gaily wrapped presents, the carefully planned car trips, the joyful reunion of friends and family. But then reality shows up and sometimes knocks us flat on our backs, because, you see, reality is cruel.
    Reality does not care about the perfect Christmas. Reality comes at Christmas to take loved ones into eternity. Reality burns the ham for Christmas dinner. Reality arrives in the form of hospital bills so large there is no chance of a road trip with the high price of fuel. Reality doesn't care if you can't afford the presents you would love to give. Reality is sometimes OK with families getting together, but often the truth is that being together doesn't mean there is perfect harmony. Reality means that people are selfish, and it also means it may rain while you are singing carols.
    There may not be time to make all the perfect Christmas goodies. We may find ourselves tired or stressed or depressed. Maybe it's all three. And suddenly, as we stand amidst the dishes piled high in the kitchen, the half-finished sewing spread across the table, and the remnants of gift-wrapping in the middle of the living room, we realize that Christmas isn't idealized family gatherings, delicious food, and Pinterest-worthy gift wrapping. 
    Christmas is a choice.
    Christmas has always been a choice.

    Mary chose to believe the words brought to her by the angel. Shepherds chose to leave their sheep scattered on the hillside and run to the stable. The wisemen chose to travel to a far away land, and when they found the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes rather than in royal robes in the palace, they still chose to worship Him as the newborn King. Joseph chose to flee as he was instructed into a foreign land under cover of the night.
    Today we also face a choice. Will we stubbornly cling to our ideas of a perfect Christmas, or will we accept the reality of the moment? The decision belongs to each one of us. Choosing reality does not in any way imperil the true meaning of Christmas— rather, it enhances it. The true Christmas Spirit, after all, has little to do with the perfect new dress or the ideal centerpiece. It has nothing to do with whether or not there is a mask mandate or how long we have to wait in line at Target.
    Instead, it lies in our ability to rely on God. In Him, we can live every moment choosing love over selfishness. We can determine to choose peace by way of trusting Him. We can choose joy by being thankful rather than entitled. 
    This is why Christmas does not need to be a season of unfulfilled expectations. Instead, Christmas can be a season of hope in every sincere heart. 

    Christmas is so much more than our circumstances. It is so much more than our expectations. There is every opportunity for the Christmas Spirit to become your reality, because Christmas is a choice to be kept by every believer, a choice to be made beautiful by the one who created Christmas in the first place. 

    And somewhere in the midst of accepting the dirty dishes, the difficult family gatherings, and the hand-me-down gifts, we also find, to our surprise, that Christmas once more has worked a miracle, and created in us the wealth of joy we thought we were missing. And it is possible you will even find your joy exceeds your expectations.
    Wishing you each a wonderful Holiday Season!