A Christmas Selfie

I wanted to take a Christmas selfie over the weekend. Not one for Facebook, but a real Christmas selfie. The one that showed the real me, inside and out. The good, the bad and the ugly. So, I went to a full-length mirror in our house. I didn’t want others to see the real selfie. Not even I wanted to look at myself and see the real selfie. It’s easier to hide that kind of thing.

Staring at the mirror, I saw the real me. Graying roots that continue to reveal the age I want to so desperately hide. Wrinkles that I can’t hide. A swollen ankle that is relearning how to walk. But, as I allowed myself to gaze beyond the surface self, I met up with my heart. A heart that longs to be real with my God and to others.

As I allowed my heart to speak, all sorts of feelings emerged. I realized that I, like most of us, carry challenges, pains, hurts and regrets in life. I came to grips with the reality of the weight of my sin that always seems to be very present. My eyes were open to my sins of impatience in myself and others. Why does shame and regret still rear its ugly head? Why does my insecurities still demonstrate their presence? This Christmas selfie is the real deal.

What would your Christmas selfie reveal? Isn't it just easier to hide these things from God and others? Or is it?

God knows the real deal about me. He see everything. He is not blind to my sin, my hurts, my insecurities and regrets. He knows every second of my life and loves me with a crazy perfect love. In fact, years ago, He sent the perfect remedy to deal with my sin. He sent Jesus, His One and Only Son, born in a manger. That Baby Boy would deliver me from my sinful self. That Baby Boy would give sight to my spiritual blindness. That Baby Boy would deliver me from my shame and regret. That Baby would calm and carry me through the storms of my life. That Baby Boy would save me. That Baby Boy I would come to worship and serve.  (See “Mary, Did You Know” written by Mark Lowery and Buddy Green) 

Merry Christmas!

“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.” Isaiah 9:6-7

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

A Hurried Christmas

I allowed the craziness of Christmas to capture my calendar this week. Somehow, I didn’t notice that I had some kind of event, meeting or party every night this past week. As the week unfolded, I realized my calendar conundrum. The craziness was all good things. Yet, by the end of the week, I was dreaming of cozying up on the couch with a nice fire, good book and orange spice hot tea.

I would prefer to walk, not run through Christmas season. However, I’m tempted to do just the opposite! Is there a way we can enjoy the Christmas season without frittering away with exhaustion? Does the busyness of the season prevent us from pondering the wonder of that Christmas day?

The story of Christmas contains a paradox we all struggle with. “They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary treasured up all these things in her heart, pondering them often.” Luke 2:16-19

Notice in this passage that the shepherds “hurried off” to the village and found Mary and Joseph. On the other hand, Mary treasured up all these things in her heart, pondering them often. What a contrast! I find it so much easier to hurry off to my next errand or activity, checking them off as I go. It’s harder to set aside time with God. That can seem royally unproductive. Yet, all the while, God waits for me, longing to spend time with me.

What does it look like to treasure and ponder the Christmas story? It’s like taking a steady, long gaze at God and his work in this passage. I think about the shepherds hurrying. I picture the baby Jesus laying in the manger. I wonder what the barn might have been like. I picture Mary and the look on her face when the angel told her she’d be carrying the baby Jesus. As I gaze on God, not my lists and schedules, I’m changed. I’m less anxious. I’m more centered. I’m more grateful.

I dare you to ponder these things in your heart. God would love to meet you there. Pull up a cozy chair, have a cup of hot tea and enjoy time with God. Merry Christmas!

“I’ll ponder all the things you’ve accomplished, and give a long, loving look at your acts.” Psalm 77:12

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.A H

A Stolen Christmas

This past weekend, I met the Grinch. Well, really, he said I made him the Grinch when I subjected him to yet another year of husband-Christmas-labor. It happens every Black Friday weekend. I need him to do the job: putting Thanksgiving decorations away and bringing out Christmas. This year, while celebrating Thanksgiving, my brother and husband compared their impending fates. In that man way, they compared box counts, sizes, and other sundry Christmas decoration tasks. Ben says he won because he has the least amount of boxes.

Ben's happy with the idea, but can get weary of the process. Picking just the right tree. Transporting the tree. Fixing the lights that don't work. Trips back to the store for new lights. Mounting the lights. Serving cookies and Eggnog at just the right time, I try to get it all done without…."You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch."

Remember, Dr. Seuss' Mr. Grinch? The grouchy, solitary creature green old man who tries to put the kibosh on Whoville's Christmas. Despite his efforts, Whoville still celebrate. Grinch returns everything he stole and is the honored guest for dinner.

Have you lost the joy of Christmas? What has stolen your Christmas spirit?  Are you becoming Grinchy?

Busyness and preparations for Christmas can become a duty. We HAVE to get the decorations up.  We HAVE to attend parties. We HAVE to get the gifts. We HAVE to go Christmas shopping... Somewhere along the way, Mr. Grinch emerges, stealing the wonder of Christmas from our own hearts.

What is threatening to destroy your Christmas? Is busyness keeping you joyless and grouchy? Will unrealistic expectations trap you?  Please, this year, don't let anything or anyone, especially Mr. Grinch, steal your Christmas. Christmas is an amazing glorious time to remember the birth of Christ,

Luke 2:11-14 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.