Christmas time is here

I’ll be honest. It’s a little strange to be in Oregon right now. In some ways it’s fantastic- seeing friends and family and enjoying a delightful time together. Ed and I have both commented to each other it’s like we never left- our relationships just seem to pick up where we left them.

On the other hand it’s rough. It doesn’t feel like Christmas. I mean it sure is cold enough. There are lights everywhere and stores are crowded. But there is a lot on my heart blocking me from the joy and excitement of this time of year.

Many of you follow me on facebook and have seen numerous posts about Tabitha- a girl from my home church in Independence who is fighting for her life after a serious case of septic shock. I know the church is hurting and anxious to see God work, but at the same time I cannot help but grieve over the loss of her legs and life as she knew. (check out here progress on this link)

Then there’s my aunt’s health. It is also not good and lots of prayers are needed for her.
On top of personal concerns, we have also had to jump in to a nation in mourning after the shootings last week. While away it is easy to distance ourselves from the pain- but here we can’t escape. People are worried, grieving and trying to find hope in midst of confusion.

It’s just not an easy world to be a part of. And I want my Christmas back.

Once I get over my selfishness, however, I realize that this is much more like the first Christmas. You know, the teenage girl stranded giving birth in a barn. Not so much the glamorous “away in a manger” scene we have children sing about. It was a world hurting, crying out to the Lord for deliverance, and full of literal darkness. I can’t imagine the issues Mary was facing: rejection from her family and community for carrying a child unwed, an unexpected pregnancy then traveling by foot for over 70 miles, giving birth alone, in the filth, with only the help from a scared fiancé.
In the midst of the pain and the burdens, I cant help but think this might be a more realistic Christmas. One where God is working miracles, but through discomfort and brokenness. I think it helps. I think it forces us to think on the real reason for celebration- the birth of a savior in a broken world.