Holiday Reflections

Well, I must say that my feelings toward the pagan and commercial aspects of the holiday season haven't changed. And I've got to be honest, I enjoy a day off work, period. So, no conscientious-objector-work-in-protest action from me or anything like that :-/

So, what's my point? Here it is: family. Although one could argue that we should make more time in our hectic lives to spend in fellowship with family in general, it is a fact that holiday times underscore the need and guide us to deliberately do so.

As I reflect on the recent holiday week, I am very grateful for the time spent doing exactly that. Friday, I was able to spend a little time with one of my daughters, Ashley, and Jennifer on a ride from Dallas to Waxahachie and then a little later, the three of us were joined by her boyfriend Will. We went and played pool for a couple of hours....nothing planned, our evening was hectic and ad-libbed all the way, but when it was done, I realized I had been waiting all my life to spend a little adult time with one of my adult daughters and her adult boyfriend and when that sunk in, it made it extra special.

The next night, Jennifer and Hannah and I went to dinner with my other daughter, Jordan. It, too, was a wonderful evening. We helped her pick a bridesmaid dress and then went to her apartment to change and relax. From there, we had a nice steak dinner and talked a lot about her coming move to California and her other plans when her husband, DJ, returns on leave. They have a hectic month coming in February, being in a wedding party in Colorado, a trip to Florida to visit his grandpa, and a move to California. But, the part of the month I most look forward to is the couple of days they plan to spend chillin' out with old Dad here in Waxahachie.

In between and before and after those evenings, Jennifer and I did some shopping with and without Hannah, and that was fun. Sunday was a bit of a rest day for me, Monday saw Hannah's grandparents over for dinner. They got me a book of bible charts and maps, which I really like and can see using in my studies for years to come. Tuesday was spent with Jennifer, Hannah, and I exchanging gifts and watching old Adam Sandler movies. I think everyone enjoyed their gifts, but I also think that everyone enjoyed the afternoon of movies even better. And for a child of ten years of age, prime age for focus on holiday presents and not much else, that fact makes me very proud of Hannah.

And so, all through this holiday season and still afterward, it strikes me as one that was defined by fellowship with family. Rather than the usual "gee, I'm glad that's over" feeling of relief that the holidays have past, I actually find myself looking forward to more like this one in the future.

I can't help but think that this is the silver lining to the holiday season. I know it is with the best intentions that folks try to ignore the paganism and find the "real meaning of Christmas" by celebrating the birth of our Lord. But the fact remains that it is not sanctioned by the Lord, it is on the wrong day, and turns into idolatry and blasphemy in so many ways I can't count. I think it is clear that the Lord detests man-made religious celebrations (see Amos 5:21-26 and Isaiah 1:13-14) and has zero-tolerance for idolatry. So, I prefer to think that everyday is the day to remember the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and do not associate Him any more or any less with December 25th than any other day. But back to the silver lining...the boss-man is going to keep giving me those days off near the end of the year, and rather than moping around about it, I'll be looking forward to more time spent the way it was spent this year.

And I'll be looking forward to finding more time and more ways to do the same throughout the year, too!

Peace!