The crystal reindeer was relaxed, confident, and silent. As I considered where she fit in the Christmas story, there is a perspective that Santa should be appreciative of the effort that went into being part of the force that propels the sleigh on its critical mission. As my imagination played out the conversation between the two, I wondered what I would say. Both sides acknowledged the critical contribution. The ironic question that was on the tip of my tongue to both was rhetorical; is there “Anyone who has done him such a huge favor that God has to ask his advice?” (Romans 11.35)
Even as I smile, wondering how many ways the question could be answered, I find myself listening to Life’s whispers about the day and the season.
You and I are major characters in a story that we did not author. There are lots of reasons to be excited. Every individual is a member of a Divine family, worthy of life’s greatest gifts. Perspective is helpful. We did not write the story. There are other characters in our story with critical roles. The author, then and now, is the source of Hope. She knows how it can end for each one of us! We get to choose our divine future, potentially wrapping ourselves up in unconditional acceptance, love, and confidence.
There is a standing invitation to be part of Christmas and the spirit of giving without the need for recompense. We can choose to be a Grinch. Equally, you and I have hands-on personalized doors to being one of Divinity. We can bring love into the lives of the people around us. We can accept them unconditionally. We can deliver compassion in the forms of kindness and caring.
Christmas is never about the one, it is all about the many. You and I belong to an amazing family. We share memories of the music and love. We break bread and experience the joy in knowing we belong. Today can be snowflakes in our story, uniquely beautiful, each lived as a living monument to hope.
