The Silent Dreams of Christmas

Me Taking Part in Nutcracker Silliness

I must admit that I am horribly sentimental in my approach to to Christmas. The month begins and my hopes and plans unfold as the dream of Christmas comes to a reality. I find myself naturally placed in the midst of parties to host, attend, cards to mail, fancy house lights to drive by and see, decorations to put up, Christmas programs at school and church, the Nutcracker, family advent services, worship, and shopping for the perfect gift at the perfect price. For some people, meandering through the month of December is like riding a ferris wheel, always in motion.

On these December days, there are many invisible dreams of Christmas that I don’t even realize that I am longing for until they catch me off guard. They are realized during the stillness of a “pause” in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the holidays. They are heard in the midst of the noise of my scurrying about. They are felt deeply as loved ones reach out.

Some of these dreams aren’t just plain silly. They are the hopes of a Christmas that is fulfilling in giving and sharing all that God has given. There are some invisible things about Christmas that we may discover glimpses of as the holiday unfolds. These quiet things may even bring out a sincerity and tenderness that that we don't expect. Here are a few of mine:

- Beautiful Lights remind me of the darkness which is painted on by an artists’ palate of light. It is a hope given that light can come even in the darkest times and joy covers the dark nighttime homes and trees with illumination.

-A red bell at the grocery store rings out. It is seeking funds to feed the poor and house the homeless. It is asking us to share hope. This is truly the season of giving. Whether we are sharing through filling the red kettle, the Operation Christmas Child box, the Angel Tree, or something else, humanity feels a need for collective support and interdependence as we give this season to make this world a better place.

-The tree, nativity, and stockings reminds us of surprises headed our way on Christmas. Regardless of whether we are naughty or nice, decorating invigorates the holiday and the heart of the home. When hospitality is extended it engages others with peace, hope, love, and joy. Although decorations are visible, they fade away when they provide a backdrop for our communal lives with loved ones, which is what really matters.

-The family getting together for the traditional advent services and greeting a chubby and jolly Santa are special. They make memories that provide cadence to family life. Kids feel special when their dream gifts are shared with loved ones and the adults take time to listen and find out what makes them happy. They know that they matter when it is their turn to light the candle.

-The culmination of many Christmas celebrations bring us to notice the beautiful things which are reminiscent of a simple life. We see this as we go to watch Clara twirl freely in the Nutcracker, see little Mary and Joseph love their baby in the Church Nativity Play, hear the drum section ring out in the winter band concert, laugh together at the office Christmas Party, read the ever so sweet Christmas Cards, and prepare red paper packages tied up with strings under the tree.

I could easily get lost in the details, expectations, and frantic style of Christmas as a mother of four, busy employee, and pastor’s wife. I could never even stop to sit and savor it all. Yet, those invisible moments catch up to me and tenderly remind me of my deeper, invisible wealth. The mercy in the quiet places finds me and fulfills my Christmas dreams one day at a time as I wait for the real Christmas miracle to become a reality.