The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. John 1:14 (MSG)
Each year my daughter and I have a tradition. We get together and bake Christmas cookies! We’ve been doing this for years and it is a cherished part of our holidays. We’ve invited friends to celebrate in this time with us and it’s been a lot of fun. A few years ago, she gave birth to my first grandson. What joy he has brought! And then came the second grandson and more joy! Except for during cookie baking time.....
This year, trying to juggle two grandchildren plus the “adopted” grandchildren of friends, well, let’s just say, the focus was not necessarily on the cookie baking. Mostly, they were wrangling kids while I was baking. I did get to take a moment here and there to mix cookies with the oldest (even though his attention span was short.) And I did get to hold babies in between - joy! My daughter and her friend apologized because I was doing all the baking. But you know what? No apology was needed.
You see, we make all these cookies each year and I bring them home. I don’t give many away (except to family) because I don’t think I am that great at baking. They sit in my house and eventually, I throw some away. So why do it? Because I get to spend time with them. We were still talking and sharing and caring.
The holiday season shouldn’t be about the tasks we have to do. It should be about being with each other. It should be about what happens in life together as we take care of life’s stuff. I know that as the kids keep coming and growing in our circle, baking will look different each year. And some years (like this year) we won’t get much baking done.
But we will share, laugh, love and hug on each other and the kids. We will connect once more to say “I love you.” Jesus did that. He came, he shared life and he connected with us to remind us how much we are loved.
That is what Christmas is all about and those moments are what brings joy to our hearts. So today, while you are doing your ‘list’, do it with someone. Love on someone and so what if things don’t look like they used to or like they should. Honestly, when you lean into the loving part, the end result is even sweeter!