Expectations vs Reality

The packages are all perfectly wrapped in matching paper under the tree. The children are dressed in cute holiday outfits ready for the 'snap shot moment' as we gather to read the Christmas story from Luke and act it out perfectly, with everyone having a part to play. The "most wanted" gifts are  about to be opened amid the oohs and ahhs. The table is set with Grandma's china and everyone is dressed for dinner - we all share our fondest memories  of Christmas' past. There is a light snow falling outside the window and - oh a group of carolers shows up at the door and we invite them in to have hot chocolate by the fire!

Every day we see sentimental commercials depicting the perfect holiday settings.  The ads show loved ones arriving home just in time for coffee together as the last ornaments are hung, a young woman decorating the lonely man next door's home as he misses his wife, or one of my favorites - the adorable puppy that pops out of the box with the overjoyed child in cute pjs and perfectly combed hair squealing with delight. Interesting that there are no follow up pictures of the parent yelling because the puppy chewed up all of the other gifts and is promptly thrown outside and the child is crying because she wants Cheerios not the family fruitcake.  Or the parents that are disappointed with the college student because he failed his semester and is 'not going anywhere'.  We also don't see commercials of the entire household sick with a stomach bug, just trying to get to work and still 'have Christmas' in the midst of it all. And the best one of all, the "no interest for 60 months"  commercials are replaced by debt relief and bankruptcy ads. Welcome to the world of holiday expectations vs reality.

So I ask you today "why Jesus"?   What can you do this season to make it different? I'm definitely not saying that the perfect holiday isn't out there.  But what is it that makes it perfect? This year has been a hard one for many of us, and these last few weeks before Christmas won't be any easier.  What is it that you turn to when the 'stuff' piles up so high that you would just rather walk away from it all rather than dig through it?  It can be hard to let go of our expectations and face reality.  To make the decision that there will be no gifts given this year because the money just isn't there.  To tell a child that 'no, we can't go to the special event because mommy and daddy have to work'.  To face the special family gatherings without your loved one for the first time....... what keeps us going? 

I have to intentionally remind myself of the fact that God cares for me.  That is something that no one, or no circumstance can take away.  It is often much easier to give in to the despair and sadness.  The last couple of days I wrote about women in the line of Jesus that took chances.  They stepped out and took bold risks in the face of despair.  I know that Jesus is my answer, but I still give in to the human emotions of doubt, grief, worry and fear. I came across a passage in my Bible this morning, and I had made a notation in the margin from 10 years ago. A friend had recommended this verse for me as I was facing some really hard decisions - it speaks to me now just as powerfully as I ponder this season:

Isaiah 54:10 "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

Today as you continue to explore "why Jesus", bring to mind people that you know (or maybe you yourself) that have been abandoned, are experiencing grief, or are so alone that facing Christmas is just too overwhelming.  If it is you in that place, take comfort in knowing that God feels your despair, you are not invisible to Him.  Imagine that you are writing a letter to someone that is struggling, how would you encourage them?  Then take the time to write that encouraging letter to yourself.  

We all have expectations, but sometimes the reality can be even sweeter......... God loves you.  Here is a reality you can hold on to and hide in your heart:

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and FOREVER.