The Sin of Self-Reproach

At times we can see self-reproach as a spiritual virtue. It appears to be in the category of agreeing with God that I am a sinner.” Which is a true statement. However, self-reproach is applied in such a way that “I am chief among sinners” becomes “God must hate me” rather than “God must love me.” This interpretation leads to all kinds of corrosive beliefs. A self-examined life becomes a search for some hidden or unconscious sin, rather than a celebration of the grace we find in Christ.  

Christmas Expectations

There is a song that I loved as kid “We Need a Little Christmas.” I think the frenetic pace was just what my ADHD mind gravitated toward.  However, today I am thinking about the song differently.  It is a perfect expression of Christmas expectations.  In the song we learn all the makings of a “perfect Christmas.”  Holly, tree, stockings, decorations, candles, carols, snow, Santa, chimney, Christmas lights, fruitcake, tinsel, little angel, music, laughter, singing, and “happy ever after” are all the ingredients to a perfect Christmas.  And “We need a little Christmas, right this very minute.”

There is a lyric in the middle of the song:

For I've grown a little leaner,

Grown a little colder,

Grown a little sadder,

Grown a little older,

These words which I have never contemplated before are striking.  I wonder if, under all that glitter and fast paced music, these lines are the heart of the song.  I also wonder if we plan Christmas in such a way that we don’t have to focus on leaner (emotionally maybe but not physically LOL), colder, sadder, or older.  Christmas must be happy and it needs to happy right now or else.

In all the busy pace of planning for Christmas so often we forget to experience Christmas.  The expectations for Christmas get in the way of enjoying Christmas.  When we place expectations ahead of appreciation, thankfulness, and shear wonder we set ourselves up for disappointment.  News flash all those Christmas plans you made only about a third of them will work out in any meaningful way.  And while you are lamenting the missing two thirds you will pass up the Joy of the holiday.  

My advice:  Make plans? Yes! But once the plans are in place enjoy the moment.  Participate in Christmas.  Love on your family, See the wonder of Christmas through a little one’s eyes, enjoy food, celebrate friends, count your blessings, be a part of the celebration.  Overcome the tyranny of “Christmas Expectations” and appreciate the blessing of “Christmas Celebration”

Ultimately Christmas is an expression of God’s love for us. Jesus comes to a broken and fallen world.  His mission is to be born into humble circumstances and live a holy life. At the end of His life he pays the ultimate sacrifice his life so that we might live and be free from all the brokenness, selfishness, and sinfulness of our hearts and lives.  John 8:31-32 says, “Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you continue in my word, you really are my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  The greatest and most precious gift of all time is the freedom and hope offered in Jesus Christ. It is Christ’s birth we celebrate it is His hope that brings Joy to the World.  

May God Richly Bless You

~BJ

Christmas Lights

My house:

The future If my wife and daughter do not get too embarrassed.