Weird Christmas

Even celebrating Christmas at church last week felt different. We still celebrate and remember of course, God coming to earth. How crazy that he would choose to come not as a man, but as a small, dependent, messy, crying baby. How pivotal that he would come at all, in frail human flesh.

But we also remember the people that are hurting, that are sick, that have lost friends and relatives this year. Those that can’t be physically with the ones they love, the ones who love them.

Personally, as a family, we finally get to celebrate with my wife’s family this year. 18 months after we last saw them. But I still don’t get to see my mum or brother and his family, after nearly 2 years apart.

Still, we cherish the moments that we do have, under whatever limitations. We try to be sensible, but just being ‘safe’ shouldn’t dominate every experience. We still get to connect and listen and care. And watch Die Hard.

What is Christmas about? According to Pete the Cat, it’s the givingest time of the year. Which I think is pretty close. Isn’t love all about giving, and God gave and continues to give. And that’s a real challenge of motivation - do we give because we think we should, or because of how it will be seen, or for what we expect in return. Or because we love, and want the other person to receive and have.

I hope you’re having a really good Christmas.