Simple may come as a term some would think of as “not special or interesting”. For my thoughts today I would like to view simple in another adjective term as, “plain, and uncomplicated”. This word finds it’s place in my mind tonight as I ponder the upcoming holiday.
We never consider simple as good anymore. Everything must be magnificent and grand. Even Christmas. Though lots of factors had to come to play perfectly for our first Christmas to occur, all in all, while Mary held her son, it was a simple moment. She wasn’t surrounded by a grand parade or doctors or even family members in another room with balloons. No. It was her, Joseph, some animals and a bunch of strangers, probably smelly. Let’s not forget where she was. In hay and dirt. I wonder what the weather was like that night as the angels sang. I wonder what the surrounding houses heard. Regardless, that night was filled with one basic and simple tone, and that was “joy”.
I look at our tree and our gifts and am so excited to get to see my children’s smiles come Christmas morning. I am bursting inside with gratitude for the return of our health. With each heart beat of happiness, I am reminded of the reason we are all in tune with one another to celebrate such a day this coming week. It is because it bonds us all in joy.
Whether you know the child born in the manger that night or not, you are still touched by this time of year. The kindness glows in people. The generosity. Just go watch some of the crazy light shows folks have done their houses in and try not to smile. Joy is beyond a Webster’s definition. It is simple. It is transcending, unfathomable. From above…
It certainly will not be a normal event this week. Zoom time for lots. Others in quarantine and isolation. Let us cherish it on an even deeper level with that realization. Our love goes out to those who are not feeling that touch of light from years passed, or have suffered much and do not delight right now. Know that you are special and thought of in many folks hearts, even if it doesn’t feel so. I hope you remember your strength and are reminded that this time of hard won’t last forever.
Just as the star shone on that dark night to announce to the world a beautiful message, may you find the simplicity of the wonder this holiday.
From the Amos home to you,
Merry Christmas. Merry, Merry Christmas friends. May it be simple and full of joy.