The Holiday Heist: Christmas Tradition Gone Wrong

 

“Some Christmas tree ornaments do a lot more than glitter and glow, they represent a gift of love given a long time ago.” – Tom Baker

 

My Christmas Journey

 

Over the years, Christmas traditions have taken on many faces for me as family dynamics have changed.  One thing has stayed the same: Baby Jesus remains at the center of the Nativity.  Except for once…

When my siblings and I were younger, we dreaded the twelve hour car ride our parents insisted we make yearly (from Illinois to Pennsylvania).

Once the laborious trip ended, however, we were overjoyed to open presents and celebrate the holiday with extended relatives.

Perhaps because of my unhealed resentment, I refused to travel on Christmas Day, believing my little kids needed the day to relax and enjoy their gifts.

“It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.” -W.T. Ellis

 

My parents were in Florida, so it was too far for them to travel, but the in-laws were faithful to visit us.

Now, a few decades later, my children are grown.

I am blessed with grandchildren, so holiday traditions have taken a pivot for me.

Since I am the elder, it is my privilege to travel an hour on Christmas Day to celebrate with my favorite people.

 

A Slight Adjustment

 

I always bring my crab Benedict and lox for brunch, but instead of the lightly toasted English muffin, I now serve the seafood delight on blanched spinach, and grilled tomato.

 

(No one warned me getting older means you will gain extra inches around your middle).

To be fully transparent, our Christmas family gatherings are not always giggles and grins.

Even though it’s been eleven years, I still feel a bit uneasy when my ex-husband and his girlfriend show up for the Christmas festivities.

(Thankfully, I have learned how to lean on God’s love and extend grace when awkward moments arise).

 

A Favorite Tradition

 

On the brighter side, let me tell you about one of my favorite December get-togethers: the Feast of the Seven Fishes – my Italian, Catholic, daughter-in-law’s Christmas Eve tradition. 

The seafood menu never disappoints and we are always stuffed. For dessert, we sing happy birthday to Jesus and eat cake.

To put a bow on the night, all nine grandchildren (gather around the piano) and belt out the carols of the season.

My favorite has always been “Away in a Manger.”

 

One Very Special Memory

 

On Christmas morning, when my grandson was five years old, Kelly found that he had taken baby Jesus from the crèche decoration (at his mommom’s house the night before).

Can we all agree that Jesus is the key figure in the nativity scene and, if taken from the holy family, will be easily missed?

Kelly was flabbergasted that Jeremy would ever consider committing such a spiritually moral crime .

My daughter-in-law was aghast that my grandson had sneakily snatched the Most Holy Relic [Baby Jesus] from the manger scene.

This was the most offensive heist of all.

“He stole baby Jesus from the nativity scene!!”  she frantically texted me, adding multiple, exasperated emojis, “I can’t believe he did that… Can you believe he did that… OMG… Who does that?!!”

Later that morning, I heard the whole tale.

When my daughter-in-law was up early and passed by Jeremy’s room, she discovered my grandson had slept the night away with baby Jesus – grasped in his little hands.

To be honest, I felt this act of childish Christmas covetousness was thoroughly delightful.

Mommom, too, thought the stealth of baby Jesus was simply precious; she was not offended at all.

 

God‘s Mercy Seat Perspective

 

I was able to look past what seemed to be a horrifying, holiday heist.

Instead, what I saw was the pure innocence of Jeremy’s heart.

He didn’t see his actions as “stealing” – he was simply fixated on baby Jesus.

He wanted the holiest icon of the Christmas crèche, our Savior, all to himself.

Selfishly, I believed God was answering my prayers from my grandson. The Lord was offering an invitation, gently prodding Jeremy’s heart – desiring that he might know Jesus better.

Nonetheless, at his parents bidding, Jeremy returned the statue of baby Jesus to where it belonged – on top of the piano, in the center of mommom’s Christmas Nativity scene.

 

I mused to myself, “what an opportunity for his two believing grandmothers to share the good news of the gospel.”

The seemingly innocent act provided a great springboard to speak the simple truth about how God sent his only son into the world so all could be saved.

 

All Eyes on Jesus

 

When my children were very young, and we were setting up our manger scene, I reminded them to make sure to put baby Jesus right smack in the middle of the display.

Our family believes that all eyes should be centered on the Christ Child.

Have you considered where the eyes of your family might be this cheerful season?

I think it goes without saying, everyone desires to bring warmth and joy into their homes during the holidays, but I wonder if anyone takes time to notice what or who is actually taking centerstage.

Typically, when one defines “center,” it is a thing (or place) that holds great importance or interest.

 

A Few Probing Questions If I May…

Where are you most focused this holiday season?

Who has gained your direct attention and/or energy?

Is it a specific task, object or goal?

What is in the nucleus of your heart?

Who has the locus of control at your center?

As you celebrate Christmas, would you consider being honest with yourself and ask who has central stage in your life? Is it Jesus, or do adjustments need to be made?

 

“And I, if and when I am lifted up from the earth [on the cross], will draw all people to Myself [Gentiles, as well as Jews].”

— Jesus
(John 12:32, Amplified Bible)

 

May I offer a gentle suggestion?

 

As you prepare for Christmas and don your house with holiday decorations,  please consider the story of the nativity.

Would you remind your loved ones why the shepherds and wise men were so focused on Baby Jesus.

It is the perfect time to encourage everyone to focus on our Saviour.

Also, consider starting a new holiday tradition and read the biblical account of the Christmas story out loud.  (Click here to read Luke 2:1-20)

 

Jesus: Son of God and Savior

 

Perhaps you are already aware that baby Jesus grew up to be a man and died at the age of thirty-three. Christ, through his death and resurrection, was chosen by God to save mankind.  

In summary, I believe that as we thrust our whole hearted focus on the what, and who of this holiday season, we might stumble upon the divine experience that truly matters:  starting or developing a deeper personal relationship with Christ Jesus.

“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross.”  Philippians 2:6-8, ESV