“Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth peace, and good will toward men.
That’s what Christmas is all about.” – Linus from Charlie Brown Christmas
“Is that all?”
It’s an innocent enough question.
Well, unless it’s being posed to you by one of your kids on Christmas morning…
Last Christmas Eve we went to church, to my parents’ Christmas celebration. Then, we went to Beth’s family, enjoyed a late desert, more holiday cheer, and more presents. We stayed out late, got up early the next day and then raced down together to see if Santa came.
And oh man, did he come!
Beth and I sipped our coffee and watched the kids check their stockings, tear into their gifts and have a freaking blast! As the final presents were unwrapped, the excitement slowly faded.
Our oldest, Jack, looked up and asked, “Is that all?”
Is that all?!
After dealing with all the traffic and crowded stores to get you these special gifts that were on your list you’re going to ask “Is that all?”
After wrapping and stuffing stockings and eating three bites of carrots and sipping milk from Rudolph’s bowl before going to bed at 3 A.M. you’re going to ask “Is that all?”
After all the parties we raced to and outfits we shoehorned you into and cookies we baked with you, you’re going to ask “Is that all?!!”
With all of these thoughts dancing in my head, I looked at my little man and reminded him, “No. This is not it at all.”
There is so much more. The presents and cookies and cards are just an excuse to celebrate what this thing, this day, this life, is really all actually about.
Real joy, real peace, and real love is seldom wrapped, rarely arrives through the chimney and is generally not found under the tree. [Tweet this.] | [Share on Facebook].
Sometimes they arrive as an old friend, a gentle snow, a new love, a family tradition. They also arrive through the least likely of packages. They can grow out of financial woes, flight delays and personal struggles. And they typically are birthed when no one is around to notice.
This Christmas week, take pause to open up and celebrate all of the amazing gifts of your life.
Today, and every day, especially remember to unwrap the present that arrived 2,000 years ago. It’s the greatest you’ll ever open: the promise that regardless of what you encounter today or face tomorrow, there is reason to rejoice, celebrate and sing out.
So, is that all?
Yup, that is all. And in the midst of a world that often seems to be engaged in constant conflict; that is more than enough.
My friend, I wish you a healthy and happy holiday, a very merry Christmas, and a joy filled New Year. The best is yet to come. Stay on fire.
Today is your day. Live Inspired.
What gifts are you thankful for this Christmas? Please share in the comments below.
9 replies on “Is That All?”
I am grateful for the doctors, nurses, techs, and volunteers at Cochran (VA ) hospital here in St. Louis. They were fabulous in diagnosing and treating my cellulitis this week. Thank you for the doctors who are treating my sister’s lung cancer (Mercy Pratt) , my brother’s serious hand injury (MoBap) and his girl friend’s leg injury this week (BJC). We are obviously fortunate to live here in this city
John, that was a great reminder about what this season is truly about. I am as guilty as the next person in getting so caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season that I seldom take time to slow down and reflect on the beauty this time of year brings to us all. I am thankful for so much, mostly for the health and happiness of my amazing wife and three beautiful children. I am thankful that I have air in my lungs and that the good Lord gave me another day to experience his wonderful creation. I am thankful we live in a country where we can openly express our beliefs without fear of condemnation and I pray for those who do not have such a luxury. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family!
I am thankful that my mom recently had a clear PET scan and there is no sign of sarcoma reoccurrence and we get to celebrate Christmas with her. I am thankful for her doctors. I am thankful to God for helping her maintain her resilience of spirit in order to fully recover from two cancer surgeries with faith, hope and good humor.
Thank you for this reminder! I really try hard to always remember the REASON FOR THE SEASON! Even though my whole family will not be together this year, I am thankful that we all love each other, we talk every day or so, and we celebrate each other’s lives every day! I am also thankful for all my friends and co-workers that have like minds regarding our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! Every day is a blessing!
Pat – beautiful. Thank you for sharing your gratitude and for ALL you do. Have a blessed Christmas! J
I am thankful this year that my whole family will be together my daughter lives in France with her husband and two of my grandchildren, this year the four of them are with us till after New Year, I am blessed my whole family will celebrate the tradition of a Italian Christmas Eve, which has been going on in my family for over a hundred years.
God Bless and Merry Christmas
Thanks for sharing, Bob! So wonderful to have your whole family together AND to have traditions that are 100+ years old! Enjoy it all. Merry Christmas.
Well said!
The best is yet to come. Thank you for reminding us that there is a Reason for this season. Jesus came to bring us more. Bring us Life! Thank you for the gentle reminder.