God moves through perspective

I look through a different lens at Christmas. Don’t get me wrong, I’m intentional about leaning into joy no matter the season. But Christmastime somehow sweeps away any crumb of negativity, disappointment or sadness that finds its way on my plate. Call it a miracle, call it childlike wonder; whatever it is, it’s hallmark of this time of year and it always shows up. 

This morning after I read Luke 2 (the Christmas story), I thought about what a wonderful time of year this is. It’s a time of embracing each other in the hope and love of Christ, born through God’s Son. It’s a time to pause, a time to reflect and a time to celebrate. We celebrate because Christ the King is born.

Christmas is Jesus. 

I quickly realized how distorted the world’s view is of Christmas as I rushed from store-to-store Saturday morning. I had my agenda and so did they. All I wanted was to grab my green beans, candy melt and pretzel sticks in peace. Was that too much to ask? After all, I had baking and creative wrapping (for the annual Mattison Christmas Creative Wrapping Contest) to do. 

“Excuse me. EXCUSE me. EXCUSE ME!” I heard from over my shoulder. “I’m sorry,” I said as I tried to maneuver my massive Costco cart out of the way. I prayed my ankles didn’t get rear ended as I navigated through the crowds. 

“Lane 4 is opening,” the Aldi cashier called out. I jetted to the empty line. (I’m not all that innocent either.) After about 3 minutes of waiting in front of an empty cash register, the gentleman behind me rolled his eyes and sighed as he said, “We should have stayed in that line.” I half smiled, feeling stuck. 

BEEP BEEP! I heard after I moved (OK, cut) into the left turn lane to get out of the backed-up intersection. “Oops,” I thought. “I’m one of them.” 

“I’m one of them.” 

Never before have I left as much prep for the days before Christmas. Aside from baking a double batch of spritz cookies last weekend and ordering a few gifts from Amazon (can I get an Amen for online shopping?!), I hadn’t done a thing. So this weekend, I was attempting to check everything off my list: shopping, wrapping, creative wrapping, food prep, baking, cards, etc. etc. etc. It seemed endless.

About one-quarter into the weekend, I caught myself getting frazzled, frustrated and hurried. This, of course, was after risking my life at Costco. As I unloaded my groceries and gifts from the car, I made a decision to “do Christmas” the way I always do — in joy. 

So I put on a Christmas movie, put away everything stacked by the door and with a childlike spirit, began my creative wrapping. Two Christmas movies later, I was done. 

I felt good. Joyful. Energetic. I still had lots to do but it didn’t feel the least bit burdensome. I saw God more in the movie “Elf” than I had for weeks. Why? Perspective. Intention. Attitude. 

I’m in no way trying to create a new Elf religion or implying the prescription for your sub-par season is more Christmas movies. Rather, it’s the intention behind what you’re doing — no matter the task. 

So tonight, I encourage you to stop what you’re doing to check in with yourself. Are you celebrating in joy? If not, it’s not too late. Choose Jesus. Choose joy. You’re the one who decides the lens through which you’ll look. 

Because God moves through perspective. 

Christmas Eve 2018