Overwhelmed? Is it by Christ or the "Chris-Must" Rush? We have a wonderful daughter-in law who was born in Chile. Her family lives there still and were stunned to see the news showing Americans sleeping in front of stores to get into stores on the day after Thanksgiving. They called her concerned that America was experiencing vast shortages of food and clothing. News reports told of some who were crushed against the doors when some stores first opened. She tried to explain, as best she could, the post-“Thanksgiving” shopping traditions between Thanksgiving and New Years day. It is almost like a race with millions at the starting gate waiting for the gun to go off. From Thanksgiving until New Years Day, no one stops running—maybe out of a little fear of getting trampled from behind. When Christmas comes, everyone takes a day to rest, and then it’s off to the races again until New Year’s Day. After that, according to economists, it takes many families 4-5 months to pay off this spending spree. If it feels a little uncomfortable seeing “Christmas” portrayed in this way, I join you in this discomfort. Is it possible God had something better in mind when He sent Jesus to us? Something better than a mad rush to possess things. What if we didn’t have or couldn’t afford such things? I’m grateful I sleep on a bed, especially after sleeping with fellow believers on straw mats covering the hard ground in India. I am grateful to have much more than one day’s worth of food in the house. Most believers in India are too poor to have more than their literal “daily bread.” I am grateful, that unless we fast for days, I never experience the aching and gnawing hunger millions must endure. In the Middle East, I worried about snipers, bombers, and suicide attacks. I am grateful my family doesn’t experience those things here on a daily basis. I will go to church and not worry who sees me. In most countries in Asia, most believers must worship in secrecy to be safe from harm. I am grateful to live in a house that is heated. Many we try to help live in tents. I’m grateful I can turn my tap and water comes out, while many in India walk miles to get drinking water. Finally, I am glad we can choose how we remember Christ’s birth. We can choose to follow the herds in the Christ-must rush, or we can get off the treadmill. I’d like to feel the presence of the Lord this year, rather than the press of crushing crowds. Maybe then I will better understand the love Jesus displayed when he stepped off His throne, lay aside his power and majesty, and humbly entered our lives. This year, I wish for you—no, I pray for you—that you may come to know the love of “Christmas,” rather than wearying “Christ-Must” rush. I still believe it is possible to know Christmas in a way that honors Him. He loves you so very much. May you know that Love more than ever—this Christmas season. It is eternally yours
