Let’s take a breather for the moment from our nation’s topsy-turvy election year. Let’s focus on our simply celebrating because we can. No matter what is going on in your life, can you go with me for an enduring time of celebration?
I realize we all have difficulties seemingly coming at us routinely, it seems. You and your family may be struggling financially. There are those who have lost their job and don’t know what the future holds for them. Some just got fearful news from their doctor about what they thought was simply a cold or minor ache. I know a few who have recently lost a loved one and find it very hard to celebrate between the tears and grief. There are also those who feel the election outcomes have stolen all their hope.
Believe me, I am not making light of whatever struggles any of us are going through right now. Yet, doesn’t it all depends on our perspective? Acknowledging our struggle and pain is important and valid. Yet again, don’t we still have a choice how we respond? I believe we all do.
We also have the opportunity to match our thoughts and words with some action. That action, whether simple or stupendous, seals our choice to celebrate. Somehow, we do feel better, more hopeful, and more grateful. We are then able to more clearly see that other person with their struggles. We want to gift that same hope so they too can feel better and experience what a grateful heart can heal. So, what is lighting up your mind and heart to declare and do something about?
With the help of some thoughtful quotes from Brainy Quotes and others, let’s begin to celebrate because we simply can. When we make that choice no matter the struggle, we are already celebrating God’s gift of Christmas with family, friends, and strangers alike. We celebrate what is most important . . . our capacity to love and care for one another that lasts forever.
- “Faith is salted and peppered through everything at Christmas. And I love at least one night by the Christmas tree to sing and feel the quiet holiness of that time that’s set apart to celebrate love, friendship, and God’s gift of the Christ child.” Amy Grant
- “Just celebrate the life you had, not the life you could’ve had.” Magic Johnson
- “Our many different cultures notwithstanding, there’s something about the holidays that makes the planet communal. Even nations that do not celebrate Christmas can’t help but be caught up in the collective spirit of their neighbors, as twinkling lights dot the landscape and carols fill the air. It’s an inspiring time of the year.” Marlo Thomas
- “Each day holds a surprise. But only if we expect it can we see, hear, or feel it when it comes to us. Let’s not be afraid to receive each day’s surprise, whether it comes to us as sorrow or as joy It will open a new place in our hearts, a place where we can welcome new friends and celebrate more fully our shared humanity.” Henri Nouwen
- “Christmas is the perfect time to celebrate the love of God and family and to create memories that will last forever. Jesus is God’s perfect, indescribable gift. The amazing thing is that not only are we able to receive this gift, but we are able to share it with others on Christmas and every other day of the year.” Joel Osteen
- “How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!” Maya Angelou
- “The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” Oprah Winfrey
- “Grace is the celebration of life, relentlessly hounding all the non-celebrants in the world. It is a floating, cosmic bash shouting its way through the streets of the universe, flinging the sweetness of its cassations to every window, pounding at every door in a hilarity beyond all liking and happening, until the prodigals come out at last and dance, and the elder brothers finally take their fingers out of their ears.” Robert Farrar Capon (Between Noon & Three: Romance, Law & the Outrage of Grace)
Today, whoever is standing in front of you, show them they are loved and have given you that capacity to celebrate, to care, and commit to sharing that love for the rest of your life, day by day, year by year.
A very Merry and Sacred Promise of Christmas to you all!