Sometimes I think I annoy people with my passion for all things Christmas. And I’m shocked when I come across someone who doesn’t share my (mere) enthusiasm.
A friend wondered out loud yesterday about all the expense and man hours put into decorating for the holiday. Why, even churches deck the halls, she said, when we could be out serving the poor.
I had one word for her: perfume.
Remember the pricey eau de toilette Mary (Lazarus’ sister) poured on Jesus’ feet—and how he defended her seemingly impulsive and wasteful action? I’m here now, said Emmanuel. In other words, bring it on.
Celebrating with all one’s heart is an outpouring, too. He’s coming! The prince who left his palace for a stable, who put on humility for love’s sake—how could this not hold hostage our imaginations? My father always informed merry little me that Easter is the pinnacle of the Christian year, the true ultimate holiday. I remember scooting around under the tree shaking the shiny boxes and smelling Frasier fir, the very odor of anticipation, and him issuing his annual reminder. Love you Dad, but what a buzz-kill.
The mystery and wonder and joy and pathos of the Incarnation is what tickles my look-what-God-did funny bone. The Word broke the silence. He came!
But what, you say, about all the hullabaloo and the national spending orgy and Wal-mart customers pepper spraying each other over XBoxes? Hasn’t commercialism co-opted Christmas? Not if we don’t let it. So yell back at your television or those pop-up Internet ads or that bad elf who sits on your shoulder and whispers in your ear: more, more, more: Be gone!
This is our high, holy feast.
I asked a group of gals what stresses them so about this season. Getting and spending and laying waste our powers topped the list. I get it. Sort of. (I tend to tackle all that ahead of time so I can hang out as close to hearth and home—and as far from any possible encounters with pepper spray—as possible.)
My stress comes when I find myself huffing about instead of savoring. There are only four weeks in Advent, and one of them is almost over! I can only slow the clock by slowing myself. I don’t want to spill the perfume all over the floor, after all. The holly and the ivy I drag inside and the front door thrown open for guests is all to welcome royalty. If I don’t have time to do things in this spirit, I probably shouldn’t be doing them at all.
And so the list gets slashed. But there are some things that simply can’t go. Won’t you indulge me as I catalog each one of them here over the next twenty-five days, all the ways I shamelessly spritz – my meager but earnest overflow of a cup running over? And won’t you share yours, all the ways you love Christmas?
Disclaimer: I know some folks don’t feel their cup is running over right now. In fact, their cup may look half empty, or just plain drained dry. To these dear ones, my ramblings might be not only annoying but offensive. Please know my heart: I am not advocating forced cheer or a to-do list. None of this is meant as advice or admonition. It’s just… me at my Christmas craziest.
Just yesterday I was thinking of Jesus anointing at Bethany–another time a woman poured out perfume over Jesus. Sometimes our obedience and worship of Him might look odd to the world and even to our friends. But, when we are doing what He’s called us to, it’s a fragrant offering to Him, like the woman’s offering of perfume.
[...] My writing partner wrote this loving tribute to my Kilmeny, if you’d care to read it. And while you’re at it, do yourself a favor and enjoy her endearing daily raptures celebrating her love for this holy season of Advent… [...]
[...] not serious about that. In fact, the last thing I want to do with this list of ways I love Christmas is make anyone feel like they need to nard things up in the same fashion. [...]
I so love this piece, Laura. What a blessing! I read it a couple of days ago and found myself thinking the word “Perfume” yesterday and this morning, feeling freed from the shame of expressing Christmas beauty with Joy. Thank you. Truly a good word in season.
Laura, I’m catching up on my blog reading and I’m so delighted to have found this list! Thank you.
As a fellow christmas lover, your special advent calendar is a blessing for me! I look forward to it every day. I just love your writing style!
I wish I could be there for the carol concert, sounds like a wonderful occasion.
Have ten more beautiful advent days, and thanks for your writing! Martina
I really don’t get here often enough! But every time I come, I am so joyed at what I read. You speak to my heart in some way every time…. whether you make me laugh, chew my nail as I ponder, nod my head as your word echo what I’m been thinking too….
It’s such a delight to come and spend time. I loved how the one word ‘perfume’ can wrap up a whole lesson in what matters — to do what our hearts prompt us to do, no matter how others may view it.
Now I had a chuckle at your phrase ‘huffing it rather than savoring’…. this was one of those nodding moments!
Wishing you glimpses of heaven in even more abundance that you already are…………