Celebrating Christmas, How?

 Stephen Eagle Brooks (c) 2013

People are busy. Really busy. "As the 'shoppers' rush home with their presents."
What has happened to the joys of celebrating the birth of Christ? Heralding the Messiah? Loving one another in the same manner that He loves us? Beats me, but I think it's time for a reality check.
Now, is the perfect time to stop, turn around, look inside yourselves, and ponder the true meaning of Christmas.
A child was born. Not into royalty, but He is the King of Kings. His birth was not in the finest of hospitals, but He did have the Master Physician on His side. He was just a little boy from Bethlehem, but nothing very good ever came from there. A carpenter's Son. Wish I could get Him to help me with projects around the house. Jesus, could you possibly make time to "build me some chairs?" I would pay You a fair wage and really appreciate it.
At one point in my life Jay Sigmon and I had a Charlie Brown Christmas tree. Complete with one red ball. I think he may have gotten it from the the dump. Man, was it cold outside. Christmas of "83," as I recall. Back in the day, as you say, we didn't have very much money. We used to seek out every singing contest we could find, in hopes that I could win a hundred dollars. Often, we were blessed with a victory. But, our greatest realization was recognizing that you don't have to have much to have plenty. "Rich" people do not always have dibs on happiness, in your world, or joy, in mine. Money just cannot buy what is ours for "free," even though it cost Father God a tremendous price. If it is already bought and paid for, then why do we have to turn it into such a circus, the most stress-filled time of the year?
As for me, count me out. I'm focusing on learning to love myself, so that I can love others as He has loved me. I choose joy in my heart, even when my circumstances seem all out of sorts. With time, the "feelings" normally show up.
I love my family and friends. Some, I have never met. I cherish each heartbeat, because I KNOW life is as fragile as any flower ever created. I choose to live and love moment by moment. We are not assured of one more heartbeat. Live, laugh, and love while you can. Set your hearts and minds on that little Boy Who was born, because His birth made Christmas day possible.
If you are stressed and find yourself bogged down with insecurities, refocus on that tiny Baby and His impact on this world. Join the heavenly chorus of "Hark the Herald Angels Sing." Put your expectations of others aside for just a second and reach out in love to ALL people. It does not matter what their response is or will be. If they have issues, let them be their issues. Do not allow ANYONE to rob you of your joy. Be different, so this Christmas can be different. If you love someone, tell them. If you miss someone, tell them. If you feel a problem with communication, try to make things right. You owe it to yourself and to the Man whose birth made Christmas Day.
Now, I am going to mention just a few of my friends. In fact, I think I will try to do that each day until Christmas. If your name appears, KNOW how much you mean to me. How deeply I love you. How I miss you when we are apart. How I value each second we spend together. So, here goes.
Jesus, thank you for loving and accepting me, warts and all. Your forgiveness, mercy, and grace have made my life worthwhile. I love you with my whole "Raggedy Andy" heart.
Teena Griffin Brooks, I feel the exact same way about you. Your love, support, acts of service and encouragement mean the world to me. God bless you, graciE.
The David Johnson family. Yep, includes my biological daughter, Julie. I love ALL of you. My heart yearns for seconds we spend together.
John Mark Brooks. You are my son. I love and miss you. Pray for you, constantly. Remember, the sun don't shine on the same dog all the time?
Cotton and Vickie Kecthie are my bestest friends. Tried and true, they have been there. Really been there for me. Even though your schedules are way too busy for my tastes, I cherish each second we have together. As far as I know, when I missed your Christmas Open House, it was the first and only thing I have missed since we met. I tried to make the trip, but the ole heart was just too tired.
Brian, Sandy, and Mandy Martin. I love you. Always have. Always will.
Bill Hudspeth, I miss you and hope to see you soon.
Jarrad Miller, thank you for being a "second son," to me. Jarrad has a ministry called "God Over Porn." He is trying to get the ministry up and running and needs some financial help. If you have a desire to help, dm me, and I will provide his contact information. He is on fb, though.
Jimmy Appudurai-chua, what can I say? Brothers are we. Bound together by Providence. Can't wait to meet you, someday. You ARE the best guitar player in the world. And, an even better person. I love you, jimmy.
Kevin Porter, Tee Tee and Ronnie Barnes, Bets, Donald Hudspeth, Terry Jonas, Ted Brooks, Doug and Joanne Pittman, York Cook, Fred Shade, William Wilson, "Commanche," the Al Jones family, Russ and Liz Eagle, Jonathan Dale, Repsie Nellis, Sandra Jayne, Erni...
More to follow as the days move toward Christmas Day.
Until we meet again, this is my view from the Sonporch. Be blessed...