Christmas Thanksgiving

The words that you are now reading were written on Thanksgiving Eve. That date is not nearly as significant as Dec. 24. However, it is still a good time to reflect and come up with an angle for my column. We should be grateful every day. I am thinking back on Christmases and thinking about what makes me thankful for Jesus’ birthday.

I miss my parents at Christmas time, in part because I remember how much they enjoyed the holiday and how special they made it for their five kids and later their grandchildren. Dad was not known for his cooking, but on major holidays he contributed in his own chaotic way. I think Mom felt he would have been more helpful if he stayed in another room, but she did not complain. Before Christmas, Mom made a variety of cookies and her famous nut roll. She would freeze her sweet creations and break them out when we returned home from the candlelight service at our church. Until then, they were off limits. The hope was that there would still be some left by New Year’s Day.

Mom was thoughtful and personal in her gift giving. Her love of shopping certainly helped. She wrapped gifts with attention to detail. Our Christmas stockings were stuffed full and usually included unique things. Mom loved Christmas music and made sure we knew that Christmas was about Christ. Dad was a mechanic. That did not mean assembling bikes and toys was easy or enjoyable. He did it anyway. Having a towing service also meant that he would have to leave the family on Christmas to help with a disabled vehicle. Mom was a switchboard operator at a hospital and often had to work a shift Christmas night. She dreaded leaving the family fun that she was so vital in making happen. The way my parents loved their children at Christmas and 364 other days a year served as a model when we became parents. I am very thankful at Christmas for the memory of Norm and Joanne Seese.

I mentioned coming home from church on Christmas Eve. I am thankful for the role that the candlelight service has played in my life for nearly 60 years. It is always a magical time in a Christian sort of way. I have preached, sang, and acted for those services through the years. But I would much rather just hear the traditional music, read the biblical Christmas account, and stare at my candle during Silent Night. It is always a great time to focus on Emmanuel’s presence before the presents.

A Charlie Brown Christmas is something I am thankful for every holiday season. I love the cool jazz music and how the characters come to life despite the simplistic animation. Commercialism at Christmas was a problem addressed 6 decades ago by Charles Schulz and his crew. And in the chaos and dysfunction of the lead up to Christmas, leave it to Linus to know and tell Charlie Brown what Christmas is all about. The biblical narrative is at once simple and profound. I saw a new sticker by number book about the classic TV special. All the major scenes were included except for Linus on stage in the spotlight quoting the story. I guess the publisher did not have space for “peace on earth; goodwill to men.”

I am thankful for Christmas music. I used to wait until after Thanksgiving to listen to those tunes. Now I start early in November. After all, it is the most wonderful time of the year (despite the frightful weather). I even like the old ones that have nothing to do with the true meaning of Christmas. They are fun and innocent enough. But it is the sacred carols that are so powerful, even though they are very familiar. My Mom loved O Holy Night. Long lay the world in sin and error pining, ‘til He appeared, and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn’. At Christmas I am grateful that I do not have to pine for anything to fill my soul. Since Jesus appeared I have worth. I’m thankful for hope and that I can rejoice no matter my circumstances. Joyful Christmas music brings perspective and helps us visualize what that Christmas night was like. It is something we should have gratitude for always because it impacts a believer’s life every day.

When the father sent his eternal son at Christmas it allowed us to be adopted as his children. The same God who created the world designed the family. Christmas is a special time to be grateful for family. Neither my family nor yours is perfect, but we can be grateful that we are placed in a family by God and as parents and/or grandparents we can impact future generations. There’s no place like home for the holidays. My wife, sons, siblings, and in-laws are invaluable to me. And my heavenly father gives me grace, meaning and value. Those are things that cannot be bought online or in the store.

I am grateful for Christmas trees and lights. I remember as a child sitting in our living room and looking at the Christmas tree all by myself at night. I just reflected on my gifts and family. I tried to grasp Jesus as the light of the world coming to die on a tree for a skinny little guy like me.

We always had a real evergreen tree. I have maintained that tradition until this year. I guess now I can be grateful that I do not have to worry about balancing the tree in the stand, spilling water, or vacuuming pine needles until Easter.

Around 20 years ago we were given a rooted Christmas tree for three years by a friend. I planted them in our backyard. They are quite large now. I often look at them with gratitude. They remind me of Christmases past when my sons were babies. As the trees have grown, so have my sons. I am thankful for those past Christmas days. I also am grateful for the ones which will be ahead, Lord willing. I am thankful that Jesus will return to this earth. O come, o come, Emmanuel!