Last week I was watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and saw the Pentatonics sing Where Are You Christmas. First, they are amazing. (Even if the parade is all lip synching, they are still amazing.) Second, it got me thinking.
Where are you Christmas
Why can’t I find you
Why have you gone away
Where is the laughter
You used to bring me
Why can’t I hear music play
My world is changing
I’m rearranging
Does that mean Christmas changes too
Where are you Christmas
Do you remember
The one you used to know
I’m not the same one
See what the time’s done
Is that why you have let me go
I felt it as I listened to the song. Christmas is a lot of things to a lot of people. Decorating, music, parties, Santa, elves, parades, family, gifts, lights and lots of food. I drink that Christmas cup every year. And in the middle of a white elephant gift exchange or watching a Hallmark movie or decorating our house I often find myself wondering “Where is Christmas?” Is this what it’s all about?
Have you felt that?
Nothing says “Christ has come,” like gingerbread houses. Nothing celebrates the messiah like lights on a tree. Nothing ushers in the peace of Christ like lines at Target.
Finding Christmas in the middle of Christmas can be difficult at best. At Branches we follow a tradition started over 1500 years ago as a way to help us find Christmas.
Advent.
We use traditions of Advent to help us find Christmas. Rich in symbolism and deep in meaning, we will take the next month to reflect on the birth of Jesus in song, light, food and fellowship. We invite you to do this in your home with friends and family as well. Join us each week on the blog for a short, guided Advent experience for your home.
The song ends with this verse.
Oh, I feel you Christmas
I know I’ve found you
You never fade away, oh
The joy of Christmas
Stays here inside us
Fills each and every heart with love
If the Pentatonics (or Faith Hill) are singing about Jesus, then YES! YES! YES!
I invite you to block out the noise and sort through the commotion. Finding Christmas is finding Jesus. Hope, provision, joy and peace are found in Jesus.
Join us on Sunday mornings as we take the journey of finding Christmas.
Comments 1
Timely post Pastor Tim. ” Where is Christmas” is looking over your shoulder and it is September and the stores have all the trees , decorations put up , and new items to purchase . May we not let the things of the world draw us away from Christ but draw us closer to Christ. Christmas is here , may we each bring that Gift of Christs’ love to others ……..