Christmas 2013

I have moved to a new appointment here in Montrose and this will be my first Christmas with the community here. I have been reflecting on what it means to give and receive. I notice I am overwhelmed with all the celebrations and activities that are available at this time of year. So I often feel burdened by the choices, by the extra giving that goes on this time of year. I wonder if perhaps the season in which we celebrate what we have been given by the grace of God, has been replaced with a season of giving and receiving. Maybe we have not paid enough attention to what it means to receive a gift from God, and the profound importance of this gift for our lives. I am struggling to articulate what it means to receive, but I wonder if we really could receive, we would find we do not have expect to get as much as we are accustomed to. What if instead of filling the season with so many gifts,we just gave one thing? I know the retailers would hate us for spreading such ideas. But I wonder if we need to remember something more than what to get for someone, or what we expect to get from another. I wonder I have become addicted to the notion that I need to have certain things or else I will feel neglected, uncared for, completely forgetting that God so values us Jesus was born on earth.
Don't get me wrong, I love getting gifts, I love how folks express joy through the music and celebrations of the season.I love wearing my christmas themed ties. But I always get worn out, usually develop a cold at this time of year. I wonder if that is a symptom of our society's celebration expectations? I wonder what you think?