"I Just Don't Understand"

     For most of my career I have worked outdoors; however during the last two years I have worked in an office environment.  While in the field, I worked in an all male workforce and during the holiday season not a whole lot of focus was placed on the joy of this time of year.  Now in the office it is a totally different story . . . I am surrounded by five or so of the finest ladies I have ever known. 

     During the Christmas season these wonderful ladies talk with excitement of the holidays.  What special goodies will they conjure up in the kitchen . . . What special gifts will they get for their loved ones . . . How they will spend time with their families . . . Christmas carols are playing.  Parties are planned.  Decorations go up.  It's a very pleasant and special atmosphere to work in. 

     Yet, with all the hustle, bustle, joyful anticipation, and excitement, I fail to get bit by the "excitement" bug.  One of the ladies and I have often joked back and forth as to why I am "bah-humbug."  (Now I'm not like old Scrooge in that I do not want others, or do not enjoy seeing others, delight in the holidays.  It is just that I no longer get excited about it all.)  Due to some of the conversations we have had, I have spent a lot of time thinking about this lack of joy, and even the presence a deep sadness, during the most joyous seasons.  I think I have finally figured it out.

     Even if you do not believe Christmas is the actual birthday of the Christ, as a Christian you should be glad that for at least a little while the world turns its mind to Jesus . . . And for me, that is where I just don't understand. 

     How can millions dwell on the birth of our Savior and yet so often forget about the reason He was born?  How we can celebrate at the manger and yet be blind to the cross?  How can we rejoice at the stable and yet not be ecstatic over the empty tomb?  How can so many, possibly even those near and dear to us, seem to celebrate the birth of Immanuel only to place Him in the back seat of their lives until the next year, living their lives as they see fit rather than as God desires?  How can we celebrate the gifts of the wise men and turn our backs on the gift of our Savior?

     May we pray that the world celebrate the birth . . . every day.  May we pray that the world will rejoice in the gift of the cross . . . every day.  May we pray that the world glory in the resurrection . . .  every day.  May we pray that God reign in the hearts of men, not for a season but for a lifetime.

-Jennifer Watson