Christmas Future.
I used to dream and envision what my christmases would look like.
A cozy family reading the Christmas Story by the fire.
A warm and inviting Silent Night.
Awakening to the scents of the Day… the crackle of wrapping paper being torn off, fresh coffee brewing, some scrumptious concoction baking in the oven.
Cherub children, matching pajamas, gratefully receiving all there is that we’ve been able to give.
A home, comfortable, and filled with the idealogical comforts that contribute to the idealogical Christmas: plenty of counter space, deep sinks for rinsing all the baking trays. Beds made perfectly for dreaming of sugarplums.
The reality is not quite that picture though. Over the years it’s been any combination of those. But never quite the whole enchilada. And I’m so grateful for that aspect.
I recently posted that disappointment and joy are not exclusive to one another, but rather, can be experienced simultaneously. I’ve found contentment to be similar. I still dream of Christmas Future. Of grown up kids coming home, of grandkids, and whatever God chooses to bless us with. But I’ve come to realize that I may dream, but whatever reality the Lord places us in is far better than my dreaming ability. It may not be the exact picture, but is often so much more.
Christmas Future will be different than this one. Our teenagers all grow and change, and maybe there will be Christmases that they can’t or won’t come home. (That very thought strikes my heart and almost makes me cry even now). There may be new homes, smaller, bigger, older, newer. There may be leaner years, or more abundance. There may be some that are more holy and some that are more loud.
This Christmas is spent in a new home, with new things, and many gifted things. It’s spent in the aftermath of rebuilding our lives, and the smell of ash, though not as strong, is still there. But the blackened hills are capped with snow, and it gives a majestic look to their barren landscapes. Our disappointments from this year are balanced with blessing, provision, fulfillment, and joy.
Christmas Past has taught the foundation; the reason for this season. The holiness, the awe, the baby, manger, love and peace on earth.
Christmas Present has taught the responsibility to love and share the joy of the Hope we have. Of containment and peace despite the churning earth.
Christmas Future has taught the reality of the unknown. That disappointment will come, but so does joy. That the wildest dreams will never live up to the reality that God will create. The delight of a Father on Christmas, giving His children the greatest gift ever. The baby no longer, but a returning and fierce King.
Tonight, as the mystery of this holy night settles around us like a blanket, surrounding us with promise
I will reflect on the past, on the present, and will look toward the future with great expectation and joy.
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