Tough times have many of us praying for our country these days. That’s a good thing and sorely needed. But we have to keep the nature of things in perspective or tough times will drain us of joy, laughter, and all else that makes life good and beautiful.

A few years ago, I wrote about a specific Christmas where everything seemed to be going wrong, everything was harder. What follows is an excerpt from what I wrote then about Christmas spirit:

After the prayer for our country (which included asking for patience for me; I am in short supply and admit it), I thought back to prior times of fear and uncertainty. To instances where I or my family were in jeopardy. Then I looked to other countries and how much jeopardy they are in right now. Global discord is rife, to be sure.

That brought to mind the real dangers Christ faced in His life. Dangers God knew Christ would face and watched play out, knowing how things would go and end for His Son. How heartbreaking that must have been, to be fully aware and not fearing the dubious or nebulous but with full knowledge. As a parent, the impact is staggering. Yet, God did it. They both did. For the love of us.

It was then, at that moment, that I felt it. That spark of hope and renewal. That spark of faith in the future. Christ was born. Not in a palace surrounded by guards willing to lay down their lives to protect Him. But to simple means and in a time of turmoil. He didn’t just exist in turbulent times, he flourished. Not without incidents or risks, not because His path was smooth and His way clear. He flourished because He believed. His faith, though sorely tempted repeatedly, remained steadfast.

Jesus was falsely accused, betrayed, ridiculed, abused and suffered many indignities and unfair acts. Yet, He persisted and endured staying true to His God and Himself, doing what He believed was right and honored His Father. There is deep dignity in faith.

Again, I paused from the travels inside my mind, and prayed for that for us all. For that dignity in faith. That it would be steadfast and we would have and exercise the wisdom He seemed to innately know that we flawed people must seek. I prayed for it for all, particularly for those I know have been struggling, and that’s when it occurred to me. It seemed so simple then.

When the Christmas Spirit seems elusive, it isn’t it that isn’t at home in us. We are focusing inward on ourselves too intently, shutting the door inside us to it. But when we turn our thoughts and deeds to others, the window opens wide. And the spirit of Christmas floods in.

Christ didn’t have to do what He did for us. God didn’t have to do what He did and does for us. They chose to, not for themselves but for us. I’m sure as certain a perfect parent would spare His child. I’m sure as certain that child would skip the trials and tribulations, too. So why didn’t they? They couldn’t skip the bad stuff and get to the good stuff for us, so they endured, and because they did, we too can flourish.

For me, knowledge of that opens all the doors and windows into the Christmas Spirit.

It seemed a good time to revisit that awakening moment in my life. I hope it brings some peace and perspective to you in yours. And I wish you all many blessings and a very merry Christmas.

Wishing you and yours many blessings and a very Merry Christmas!

Vicki Hinze