On Reflections

Christmas brings out memories in us. We remember our childhood, and the traditions, special people and presents that filled those early Christmas mornings. And as we age, each year adds to the treasure trove of memories, with new places and people taking on staring roles as we move away from parents, establish our own families, and experience the life changes that career building inevitably brings. We trace our journey through different cities, houses, jobs, and relationships and remember the way Christmas happened differently along the way.

But this year I am finding that Christmas memories are doing more than help me trace my personal and family history. They also are serving to underscore that fact that our family future is about to turn yet another corner, taking us into a new city and ministry position with all the changes and challenges that move will entail. Where will our family be decorating the tree next year? How will our favorite traditions fit into a new community, and new church family? Where will I be hanging the stockings next year, and how will we light the next house? What will we be missing that we now enjoy, and what will we have discovered as new and exciting? These questions and many others creep into my mind, poignantly reminding me that change and the prevailing "unknown" are about to encroach on the stability and comfortable "known" of my life.

Christmas is a time of surety and security for me. It comes in ways that remind me of how good and ordered and comfortable my life and family are. I have come to expect - indeed, rely on - certain things about my Christmas and when they happen, I feel settled and filled with the joy of certainty. But, this year, Christmas is being played out against the backdrop of change as we are pressed to think about packing up a household, finding interim housing, leaving a greatly loved congregation, living out of suitcases, and just generally accepting the fact that we aren't going to experience the order and security of the "known" for the next 2-3 months.

And so, what to do? Only this: I am reflecting on the fact that what really makes Christmas secure is the same no matter what city or house I am in. Jesus Christ, my Savior, is not limited to a place or a circumstance. He is mine, and I am His. And as a Death Cab For Cutie song says "He could have done better than me, but I could never do better than Him." So, in my times of despondency, I go past those traditions that have always brought normalcy to my Christmas, and land at Jesus. He never disappoints, and never disappears. And while I know how weird it is for me - a pastor - to "discover" how fulfilling it is to center on Jesus at Christmas (duh!), I must admit that this year the reality of Jesus is much more exciting for me. He is my staying power, my confident and consistent stability, and being my Lord, He is the only One whose "well done" I am obligated to pursue. May your Christmas be filled with Him!

Hope this helps,

David