Skipping Christmas

Christmas away from home this year?  My son recently told me that it doesn't feel like Christmas to him unless he is at home.  I know what he means although I'm not sure what physical place would be "home".  Over the years we have spent Christmas Day on a train, on the beach, at relatives, with friends, as well as at our house, and in many different countries.
Our Christmas in Egypt didn't feel like Christmas at all, but the one spent with friends at the poolside in Rio was definitely Christmas!  Some years just feel more like Christmas than others.

This year I just wasn't feeling Christmas.

It is cold, but there is no snow.  The house is decorated, but there is no tree.  I baked cookies, but couldn't find icing.  The radio doesn't play carols, a string of lights seems too expensive, and I'm am missing family and friends far away.  Things just weren't going right for me, where was my Christmas??

Then I went to a Carol Service where Jon and the choir would be singing. They started with "Once in Royal David's City" and these words:

For he is our childhood's pattern,
Day by day like us he grew,
He was little, weak and helpless,
Tears and smiles like us he knew:
And he feeleth for our sadness,
And he shareth in our gladness.

Christmas isn't just about glad times, there are many who suffer and hurt at Christmas time.  And Christmas isn't about me.  Christmas is about bringing joy and gladness to other people.

Christmas is back on, with sweets to bake for family and friends, music to create, gifts to buy, and glad tidings to share with others.  Don't skip Christmas, share it!

I'll end with my father's favorite carol, Good King Wenceslas:

Therefore, Christian men be sure, wealth or rank possessing,
Ye who now will bless the poor, shall yourselves find blessing.

Wishing you all a very happy Christmas!