Mom Joys

I love Christmas. It's my favorite time of year! I love the colored lights and the fake snow. I love Santa and the magic he brings. I love the stories of long ago - the birth of our Savior, the appearance of the heavenly host before the shepherds, the wisemen. People are kinder. We're all focused on giving - and admittedly, a little on receiving. It's truly "the most wonderful time of the year"

My mom works in a retail shop in the mall. The very commercial part of me enjoys the mall during the Christmas season. This year, however, my mind (and heart) are starting to change. Maybe I'm just getting older. Maybe I've watched the Charlie Brown Christmas special a few too many times (can that really be the case?). But I'm seeing things in a whole new light.

The greed I see bothers me. People poring over Black Friday ads, shoving them in their loved ones faces to show what they want. Yuck. It's worldly garbage. To me, the "black" part of Black Friday doesn't mean when stores make a profit. Black is dark. It's a day I don't want to go out. It's a day to hide from the crazy people!

I mentioned my mom above. She worked late into the evening last night and opened early this morning. She could have just spent the night at the store! I hearken back to the days of our grandparents. Stores weren't open late into the evening. They weren't open at all on Sundays. Perhaps we should look back to those days and take note. I imagine we'd all be a lot happier if we just slowed down a bit.

I've lived in small towns for the last six years. I don't have access to a 24-hour store. Somehow, I survive. Now, keep in mind that I grew up in a city. As a child, I wanted to live in New York City. I've lived in Boston, Phoenix, Los Angeles...some pretty big places. The city mentality was deeply ingrained. But now, I spend less money - I have to, being part of a pastor's family! - and find that I do just fine without stuff. It's great!

I do have to give a shout out to internet shopping, though. Today, I received a couple packages full of Christmas gifts. The best part? My two-year-old excitedly shouted, "Mama book! Mama book!" The last few packages we've received have been full of copies of my book. That was the best gift of the year.

Merry CHRISTmas. Remember what it's all about.

"O, come let us adore Him..."