Random Thoughts On Christmas

Christmas brings so many memories of childhood to mind. The great food (especially homemade candies and fudge!) the presents and decorations, and the football games are just a few of the first things that come to mind. When I was a kid, I never imagined the way I would come to view Christmas. Children are inherently selfish, and I was no different. I always thought about what new toy I’d get, or hoped to get. As I got older, I learned the joy of giving gifts. It still gives me a thrill to see a happy face when someone opens a gift they love from me. It wasn’t until much later in life that I began to see what was truly the most important thing about this holiday. Jesus, of course, is the reason for the season. Okay, I know. Very cliché, but also very true. I’m going to dig even deeper, so bear with me. Don’t think I’m going to get preachy on you.
God came to us in our own form, as a real human being. He started his life as an infant, in poverty and humility. The creator of the universe put himself through all the turmoil of life that his creations had to endure. He gave us an example of how we are supposed to live. He lived, worked, and endured among us, and beside us. He taught us to be selfless and humble.” Love God, and love your neighbor as yourself”, to paraphrase Mark 12:30-31. People are the most important thing. Everything is about people. We should love one another. Simple, huh?
We get only a short time on this earth. I’ve been on this big blue marble for fifty three years. Over half a century. Feels like yesterday I was playing basketball in the front yard, getting beat at a game of HORSE by my sister (either one, Maryann or Pam, you pick). Jesus gave us all we needed to know about this life in about thirty three years of living. I’m twenty years older than He was when we nailed him to the Cross. It’s taken me this long just to learn the important things in life. I’ll list them as simply as I can. In no particular order:

1. Be nice; be humble; and always remember there’s more you don’t know, than you do know.
2. Love is what you Say, Do, and Think. It’s only real when it’s all three, together.
3. Treat people right, and say what you feel while they can still hear your voice. When they’re gone, it’s too late.
4. Don’t be petty.
5. Being right isn’t about winning. You don’t get a prize for it. Seriously, you don’t.
6. Being wrong is okay, especially if you can admit it to yourself and others. It isn’t losing.
7. Your family is your family, no matter what. Treat them like it. No matter what.
8. Putting up with crap, and never giving up on someone, isn’t the same thing. (See 1 through 7)
9. God is God. Let Him handle all the stuff that He does. He’s really good at it. We don’t have to understand it, just have faith in it. We can handle whatever’s left. I promise.
10. I’m not Jesus. I’ll fail a lot to follow His example. It’s a given. That doesn’t give me license to be a jerk. Keep trying. Never, never, never give up. On Him. On you. On anyone.

Okay. I think that’s a pretty good short list for stuff I’ve learned. It’s not all of it, but it’s the important ones. Thank you, Jesus, for the lesson in Humanity 101.
One last thing. The thing I remember most, and miss the most, about all the Christmases of my past are the people that aren’t with me for the ones to come. I’d love to get the chance to spend another minute in conversation with my Dad, have a cup of coffee with my Aunt Joyce, hear Uncle Claude laugh, or see the twinkle in Sam’s eye as the kids open presents, just one more time. It’s all right there in front of us, right now. Don’t get caught up in the other stuff. It’s okay to like the presents and the snow and stuff. But it’s the people, man. Pay attention to them, savor them, while you can. That’s what Jesus would (and does) do.
Merry Christmas Everyone!

Author: Kevin Stone

Kevin Stone aspires to write stories that you will enjoy. I hope to tell tales of the Stone Family that all generations may to come may read. I'll also write stories of all kinds, true and fiction, just for you to enjoy. View all posts by Kevin Stone