by Marilyn Ehle
“The light shines in darkness…” John 1:5
It was her first Christmas away from the rest of the family. One brother was serving in another country in the military, another was married and living thousands of miles away, and we—her parents–were on another continent. What would Christmas morning be like for this single young woman living in a big city? How could joy possibly be there without her loved ones? Who would watch her open each carefully chosen gift?
An afternoon telephone call answered all our questions. She had chosen to have a leisurely breakfast before reading the story of Christ’s birth while sitting near lit candles and her small, decorated tree. Then she opened each gift and thought of those who cared deeply for her even though they were absent. Then it was time to bundle up in warm coat, hat, gloves and scarf and go for a long walk in the snowy city park near her apartment. Her day ended in a small downtown church with a diverse group of people meeting to celebrate the Savior’s birth.
Although it was her first Christmas alone, it would not be her last; she was learning that true celebration begins with a choice. Deciding what our attitude will be prior to the event is crucial. Emotions may swirl, but we have the ability to choose our reactions to the circumstances in which we find ourselves.
German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who died for his faith, wrote the following Morning Prayer as he “celebrated†his first Christmas in prison. We would do well to make it our own.
O Heavenly Father,
I praise and thank you
For the peace of the night;
I praise and thank you for this new day;
I praise and thank you for all your goodness and
faithfulness throughout my life.
You have granted me many blessings;
Now let me also accept what is hard
from your hand.
You will lay on me no more
than I can bear.
You make all things work together for good
for your children ….
Thank you, Father, that Christmas is first and foremost a celebration of the heart. May mine be pure.
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