It's the last week of Advent and we had another rainy Tuesday. We ended up back at the bookstore to play. I was still undecided about returning "Twas the Night Before Christmas." But this was my last chance, if I was going to do it.I couldn't find the receipt, so decided to bring it along and if they would take it back without one, it must be meant to be. When the owner agreed to exchange it, I felt suddenly pained in my heart- it was such a beautiful book!!: Sugar plums, reindeer, toys. . . sigh. Was I making the right decision? Too late now. The first book I picked, that wasn't nearly as well illustrated, was about the animals preparing for Jesus' birth. The chorus of their song was, "the One who made us has come to live with us." Tears streamed down my face. How can I talk of Santa, when God has chosen to live with us?
Since walking out of the store, my place of Advent transformation, I have felt a change of perspective. Instead of balancing the two stories of Santa and Jesus, I have released myself to just believe in the truth of Jesus. Now, I can think of many ways to bring Jesus into Christmas, especially without the pressure of perpetuating Santa. There is a sense that I may be causing Nori to miss out on some magic of childhood. But it's my hope that the magic of God among us warms her heart along with sugar plums dancing in her head.
So that is where my Advent journey has brought me, at least this year. Like the wisemen, ready to seek Him. This morning, we stopped to buy a cupcake for Jesus' birthday singing. Nori is obsessed with singing "Happy Birthday." (But she usually leaves out the birthday part- just Happy and the person's name.) She will be thrilled singing to him and carrying around her Baby Jesus on Christmas. Bye Bye Santa, you were good to me.
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