“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” ~ Calvin Coolidge
There is a new tearoom on the square of the small town in which I live. I attended a Christmas tea hosted by our hometown library. It was beautifully arrayed with festive china–complete with ornate teacups. Delicious food was meticulously presented with thoughtfulness and care. And, an ensemble of ladies were dressed in their Christmas best. The warmth and charm that exuded from the host was refreshing and served to bring the community together in a special way.
As I joined the ladies waiting to be seated at the Christmas tea, I walked through another line of people wishing for the doors to open at a local ministry downtown. I have worked with the man who runs the ministry and know his heart for those in need. I am sure that the people in line were coming to receive much needed help during the Christmas season. They were not dressed in their Christmas best. Or, at second thought, maybe they were. Without a doubt, this ministry was serving a segment of our community in which Christmas brought added financial stress instead of yuletide cheer.
As I walked through the crowd, I smiled and said, “Merry Christmas.” I was met with kind, smiling eyes from several unfamiliar faces; and distant, suspicious looks from others. That didn’t bother me. I understood.
I understood that some of them looked at me with my lush velvety Christmas sweater and nice handbag as someone who had never experienced the hardships they are currently enduring. It would be easy to paint the scene as a comparison between the haves and the have nots, but that is not what I saw. Instead, I saw need in both groups, but I also experienced hope.
I sat with two friends from my church at a beautifully decorated table in the corner. We were joined by three other ladies. One was an events coordinator who moved to our small town from the east coast. One a pastor’s wife. And another lady who smiled and enjoyed the conversation throughout our meal. We found out we had a mutual friend which opened up our dialogue beyond the initial small talk. And somewhere amidst our discussion, Jesus began to knock on the door of her heart. The sweet lady that had smiled and seemingly enjoyed herself told us that she felt drawn to sit at our table. After learning where we attended church, she told us that she had grown up in church–our specific church to be exact. Without sharing the details that she entrusted to us, it is safe to say that she had gone through a season of deep pain. But sitting among the Christmas festivities, she had an encounter with Holy Spirit as we began to share with her the words he laid on our hearts. It was obvious to everyone at the table that God was meeting her right where she was–wooing her to receive the heavenly gift that he offered and presented through his people.
In this sense, we were no different than the other group waiting for their turn to receive what was needed. Because the truth is we all have deep need. I do missions work in third world countries. I am a strong advocate of helping people break free from systemic poverty so that they can see a better future for themselves. And I completely understand that those who have been entrusted with much are to help those who are in need. But can I say to you that poverty exists within every socio-economic class? Why? Because a heart that is heavy with pain and can’t seem to find a way out is a heart in danger of becoming poverty-stricken. A poverty mindset can be defined as one that is filled with hopelessness.
Isn’t that what the Christmas story truly addresses? Jesus emptying himself of his divine glory to meet us in our lowly estate. All of us–whether we classify as the haves or the have nots. The truth is all have fallen short of the glory of God and we have deep need within that cannot be met any other way.
The older I get, the more I realize, that although Christmas brings joy, it also brings pain. The broken pieces of our lives seem to be highlighted in this season as we hold them up in comparison to our idealized version of what the season should be–no matter our social standing. But, maybe it’s supposed to be that way. Maybe, no matter what line we find ourselves in, the gift is in the understanding that God has come into our poverty to set us free. And, his gift is given to all who come to the realization of their true need.
Do you know where I saw Jesus that day? –in both storefronts.
0 Comments