Adult Christmas

I can remember vividly Christmas Eve as a child. After going to church in the evening, I could barely bottle my excitement to rush home and go to sleep. It was probably the only night of the year that I was excited to go to bed... and Christmas was the only morning I was excited to wake up early. I would close my eyes under my pink comforter and remind myself, "the faster you go to sleep, the faster Christmas will be here." The next morning, I would spring out of bed to wake my sister and parents. "Christmas is HERE! Christmas is HERE!"

If you're like me, I'm sure you can recount fond memories of opening stockings while parents drank coffee after their laboring of wrapping presents the night before. There were surprises, fulfilled wishes, and something that always needed the scissors to open the box ("Daaaaaaad")!

There was such magic about Christmas as a child.. but as I've become an adult, I've decided I need Christmas more.

At this stage in my life, I'm no longer sheltered to the harsh realities of the world. My father is no longer with us to spend Christmas morning (a grief I feel weigh more this time of year). My grandparents and relatives are older and some have already gone before us. My "normal" Christmas as a child has changed and shifted.

As an adult, you see the brokenness of the world. As an adult, you see the hatred, the war, the racism, the conflict, the inflation. You see the broken relationships in your family, you see the holes of those that don't come to Christmas anymore, and see sickness that some struggle with. You miss people. You wish some things were different. You see the reality of what life brings to those you love. It's hard.

Holidays don't cover our needs, hurts, desires, and regrets. No matter how cute of wrapping paper you bought, sometimes this time of year brings them to the surface. As adults, we long for peace, stability, happiness, and hope in our lives. We long for healing. We look for answers. We strive for fulfillment.

The best part of Christmas? That's what Jesus came for. Jesus meets us right in the midst of it all. Jesus comes TO us and FOR us. He came as the perfect sacrifice, so all of our sins would be washed away. He came as a man from Heaven, the only connection we'll ever have with God on earth. He came as the light of the world, to give us hope through our lives that we're not alone. He came as a blessing to all people, no matter where you're from or what you look like. He came as the restorer of life, so that we'll be united with our loved ones and with God eternally, forever. He came as the living water and bread of life, so we'll never go hungry or thirsty, finding true fulfillment through him.

Why do I need Christmas more as an adult? Because now, I understand.

I understand why the world needs Jesus. Look around... turn on the news... you will understand too.

I understand why my heart needs a savior. I'm a sinner... I'm broken.. just like you.

I understand the gift that God gave to us... even though we are undeserving.

I wonder more about the miracles... there's so much in the scriptures that go unnoticed.

I pray more in thanksgiving... that God gave us His only son. He loved us enough to do so.

I prepare more with my heart... to appreciate the purpose of his arrival.

As you walk through Christmas, know that even if you're not looking for Jesus, he's coming. He's coming for me and he's coming for you. Jesus, the greatest gift of all.

Matthew 1: 22-23 "Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and the will name him Immanuel, which is translated "God is with us."