As I was driving home this evening via a route that takes me past downtown, I noticed that not as many Christmas lights adorned the buildings. In the past, almost every building in downtown had at least one lighted tree and many of the buildings had multiples. This year it seems different.
So many times on the news or through chain emails, I get the latest update on which retailer or government sect is refusing to use "Christmas" in their advertising, or not allowing the use of "religious" symbols in their holiday decorations. And because of this constant bombardment of messages from the news, email groups, friends, and family, I cannot help but look at a Christmas tree (or lack of) differently.
As I drove past downtown, I began thinking about why these businesses didn't have lighted trees this year. Did they make a conscious effort to avoid all Christmas decorations? Maybe they decided it would be too risky? Or, maybe it could potentially drive away patrons who didn't celebrate Christmas?
Then, suddenly, I realized that I had allowed a bunch of Christmas grinches to steal my joy and fill my head with critical thoughts. Instead of focusing on the wonderous Gift we celebrate this time of year, I was focusing on my hatred for all the grinches. Isn't this exactly what they have in mind? Isn't their ultimate plan to steal away my joy at Christmas and forever? To move my focus away from the One who gives me joy?
It was in the moment of this wonderful relevation that I remembered about the shepherds and the wise men:
When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. (Matt 2:10-11)
But the angel said to (the shepherds), "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." (Luke 2:10)
Joy, and from Whom it flows, shall be my focus today, tomorrow and always. Amen.