I love all sorts of Christmas movies and I’ve watched plenty this Christmas season. I even introduced my little kids to my favorite movie, Elf. They loved it, of course!
But I can’t seem to get one theme song out of my head. I sing it All. Day. Long. Vivienne tells me constantly to stop but I just can’t.
The song is “Where are you Christmas?” from the Grinch.
Don’t ask me why I can’t stop singing it because I just don’t know. But as I contemplated writing a Christmas post, this song kept popping into my already over-filled brain.
As this post releases, we will be driving from New Orleans, where we spent a few fabulous days with Peter’s family, to North Louisiana to be with my family. We are all looking forward to seeing everyone as it has been several months since we were all together.
My children have been anticipating these Christmas travels for weeks, excited to see grandparents and cousins and aunts and uncles. I’ve been feeling the same way, looking forward to reliving Christmas traditions from my childhood.
Sometimes it’s just good to go back home for Christmas.
But over the past couple weeks, as I’ve looked forward to the travel and made preparations, I’ve been thinking a lot about Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her anticipation of what was to come.
I think about this young girl to whom an angel appeared. How did she feel when she was told that she would bear a child and He would be the Savior of the world? Could she even fathom the enormity of her situation? What went through her mind as she contemplated raising the Son of God?
Lord, I’m not worthy.
Why did you choose me?
How will I know what to do with this child?
I’m sure Mary found herself waiting in anticipation, preparing for the birth of her firstborn child as she also prepared to travel to Bethlehem with Joseph for the census. How difficult her journey must have been!
As she gave birth and realized all the stars and angels and shepherds were worshipping her precious babe, she must have paused in awe at the wonder of it all.
Did she think that this precious little one she held in her arms looked like an ordinary baby? Did she gaze into his eyes wondering, “Where are you, little Christ-child? Who are you and what will you become?”
Much like the song that has been stuck in my head, I often wonder, “Where are you, Christmas?”
Jesus, where are you in when life gets hard?
Where are you when friends lose husbands and bury babies?
Where are you when anxiety threatens to overtake us?
Where are you?
And then I feel a gentle nudge and hear a sweet whisper in my soul.
I am here, my child. I have been here all along. I am not only your Savior, but I am your Hope and Redeemer.
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Isaiah 9:6-7 NKJV