- Somehow people (like me) are very good at complicating Christmas. Between making our homes look uncharacteristically festive, showing hospitality we literally could have shown any other day of the year, buying thoughtfully personal gifts for everyone we like and appreciate in addition to those we love, and whipping up our most complicated recipes, there is hardly time, energy, or money to enjoy the good news of our Savior’s birth. If we are not careful, we think big and bold and beautiful are what matter, and we miss the quiet, inconspicuous birth of Love in a podunk tucked in a corner of the vast Roman Empire.
After worshipping with our brothers and sisters at church this Christmas, let’s find a chair in front of the fire and listen to the words of our favorite Christmas hymns. Let’s go on a family bike ride, work a puzzle with an elderly parent, take a nap in the middle of the afternoon and go right back to bed after supper. Let’s remember that the daily rhythms of love are quiet, simple, practical, and profound. The greatest gift has already been given: Jesus, the only begotten Son of the Father. The greatest service has already been rendered: his willing death on the Cross. This Christmas, let’s remember that all our giving and doing are simply our heartfelt responses to God for what he has already done.
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- Love came down at Christmas,
- Love all lovely, Love Divine,
- Love was born at Christmas,
- Star and Angels gave the sign.
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- Worship we the Godhead,
- Love Incarnate, Love Divine,
- Worship we our Jesus,
- But wherewith for sacred sign?
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- Love shall be our token,
- Love be yours and love be mine,
- Love to God and all men,
- Love for plea and gift and sign. Christina Rossetti
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The week after Christmas, we will take a break and re-share our top articles from 2022. Look for new content starting January 4, 2023. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us here at Rooted!
