John 11:35
Jesus wept.
Christmas
is an emotional time for me. It has been that way most of my life. There are
times when I can hardly make it to the end of Silent Night without choking up.
Every time I read the Christmas story, there is a catch in my throat. Most
Christmas movies, no matter how corny, catch me off guard and cause me to hide
a few stray tears. For whatever reason, Christmas is an emotional time for me.
This
week I received an email from Bethel University President Jay Barnes and his
wife Barb. The email contained a short video message. Throughout the video the
song Auld Land Sine played in the background as Jay and Barb expressed their
gratitude and their joy. What made this message so powerful to me is that it is
the last Christmas message that Jay will send out as the President of Bethel.
He will complete his tenure at Bethel at the end of this academic year. Because
of my involvement with the Converge Board of Overseers, I was able to develop a
friendship with Jay. I am happy for him and Barb but sad that he is leaving
Bethel. By the end of the video the tears flowed down my cheeks. Christmas is
an emotional time for me.
I
struggle with showing my emotions publicly. Because I have been manipulated by
emotions in the past, I resist showing my emotions to others, especially when I
am preaching. Having said that, I often find myself choking up during a sermon
or singing a particular song. I fight to control my emotions, but periodically
the leak out. There is no time of the year when that is truer than at
Christmas. Christmas is an emotional time for me.
There
is so much about Christmas that tugs at my heart strings. I clearly remember a
particular Christmas when I was a boy. On Christmas morning I suggested to my
parents that we read the Christmas story to “put Christ back in Christmas.” I’m
pretty sure I saw a tear in their eyes. I cannot help but be caught by the joy
of children at Christmas. I revel in giving gifts and seeing delight on each
recipient’s face. But I cherish most that we are together as a family sharing
this special day.
It
has been many years since we were able to share Christmas with my family,
although my parents spent Christmas with us two years ago. The distance between
us has become a tangible barrier. I have many fond memories of Christmases
past. Spending Christmas Eve with the Green family and Christmas afternoon with
the Banfields. Those times were always highlights of the year for me.
Two
years ago, we celebrated our last Christmas in our home in Mankato. Everyone
was there including my parents, Suanne’s mom and Amin. I so wanted it to be one
of the best Christmases even. It is fair to say that it will be a Christmas
long remembered, but not for the best of reasons. The stomach flu made the
rounds through all of us. We took turns feeling miserable and staying close to
the bathroom. Yet, we still had many moments of joy and celebration. It was an
emotional Christmas for many reasons.
This
year we will be celebrating Christmas in Michigan with our immediate family. I
have looked forward to this for many months. I know that it will be an
emotional time for me. I don’t know what our time together will hold, but I
already cherish the thought of being together for Christmas. This year will be
a new beginning for us, in a new home, in a new stage of life. Above all else,
I want Christ to be at the center of this Christmas. For it is really all about
Him.
Christmas
is an emotional time for me. A time filled with joy, celebration, and more than
a few discreet tears.
John 1:14
The Word became
flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the
One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
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