A Norman Rockwell Christmas or National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation?

 

“Nobody’s walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas.”  National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

 Many years ago our church did a wonderful Christmas program called “The Peanut Butter Christmas.” This fictional story tells of a family who experienced the worst Christmas nightmare. Somehow they were stranded in a motel room without electricity on Christmas Day. But this terrible Christmas, this nightmare becomes a favorite Christmas memory as the three children learn that the spirit of Christmas lives not in what we get, but in what we give.  
  Christmas is “the most wonderful time of the year,” or so the Andy Williams’ song goes. It’s expected to be a time of celebrating with family around a Christmas tree filled with gifts underneath, parties filled with friends and fun, and unique moments of enchantment and joy therein. In the mind’s eye of many, Christmastime is supposed to reflect some Norman Rockwell painting. But what if it doesn’t. What if instead of experiencing that Norman Rockwell version, you end up experiencing some version of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation? Would that potentially be a Covid-2020 Christmas? 

  Let me guarantee you on how to ruin Christmas and not just a Covid-2020 Christmas, but this and future Christmases. The guaranteed way for me and you to ruin Christmas are The Three Kings. 

  Most of us are familiar with the Christmas carol, “We Three Kings.” I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve sung that song or heard recording artists add their own rendition to the classic. We refer to the three kings as the “wise men” who traveled to worship baby Jesus and present Him with gifts.

  As we wrap up 2020, I’ve been convicted about which “king(s)” I’m admiring, listening to, taking advice from, and worshiping. This time of year is always a great time for reflection. There have been a number of things to think back on in 2020: COVID-19, riots, disharmony, a tenuous election cycle, facemasks, shutdowns, racial tension, Supreme Court confirmation…the list goes on and on. So, I have to check myself on a regular basis to make sure I’m not following the wrong “three Kings.” Sadly, too often I do. But these kings are not in charge. They’re not the wisest. In fact, they’re very selfish. They generally lead me into trouble and sin, and away from what I know is right. And you have the same three tugging on your heart, trying to lead you down the wrong path.

  Who are these three kings? Me, Myself, and I. Yup, that’s them. Those three “kings” get me in a lot of trouble. I’m constantly battling to resist their rule over my life. Yet, I still fall victim to their temptations. If they’re on the throne of my heart, it’s a guaranteed National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation rather the Norman Rockwell version.

  While you can’t change Christmas past, you can change Christmas present and Christmas future. Starting right now, in your own heart and with your own family, create new memories and Christmas traditions that will redeem this season. You can give yourself and those around you a Christmas gift that no one will want to return. And in the process, your heart will grow to love the Lord and others more. So, as we reminisce in 2020 and plan ahead for 2021, would you join me in making every effort to de-throne these kings? How can we do that?

  Be Intentional. Grab some paper or open a new note on your phone and create an actual plan that you’ll execute. Nail down some dates and times for the things you decide to do. If you need other information first, such as the family calendar, get it as soon as possible. The next days will pass by faster than you think so now is the time to make a solid plan.

  Love the “neighbor” closest to you. Spend time one-on-one with your wife and each child during the holiday season. Maybe you need to start with some relationship repair. It’s been a difficult year. Some of the most important words that you and I will ever utter are; I’m sorry. I was wrong. Please forgive me.

  Go for a walk with your spouse. Spend individual time with each child, even if it’s just going to a park and sitting in the car together. Pick up some hot chocolate and watch the cold on the outside with a warm relationship inside the car. Don’t make it a marathon. Half an hour may be enough. It’s important to take each child out individually to spend time with you alone.

  If your children are far away, schedule a video call at a time when you know they’ll be free of distractions or deadlines. Ask them questions about their life. A healthy conversation is a dialogue, not a monologue. The goal is quality, one-on-one time with each family member.

  Have fun! Don’t allow everyone to drift through your time together playing with their devices or watching football. Set aside scheduled time to do some fun things together. There are tons of things to do safely outdoors together, such as an evening walk or a drive to look at lights. Even though staying home doesn’t feel like something that needs to be reserved on the calendar, it is! Set aside some specific times to play games as a group. Choose a favorite board game or card game. Bake or cook a special Christmas recipe together. If you have younger children, you could act out the nativity story with your family members (pets welcome).

  Give to someone in need. Christmas isn’t about getting, it’s about giving. That’s what God the Father did that first Christmas when He sent His Son, Jesus. This year especially, there is no shortage of people who will benefit from whatever you have to give, whether it’s your time, attention, or money. As a family, maybe be a secret Santa for a family with limited resources. Go carol someone elderly or shut-in, even if it’s just you and your spouse. It truly is the thought that counts. So, get creative. There are so many ways to encourage and give and serve. Find some. Make some memories. Make a difference in your own heart and in the lives of others.

Can we help you spiritually? Can we help you know Jesus better? Please check out more resources on our church's web page, Gracechurchwi.org. Or, call us at 262.763.3021. If you'd like to know more about how Jesus can change your life, I'd love to mail you a copy of how Jesus changed my life in "My Story." E-mail me at Carson@gracechurchwi.org to request a free copy. Please include your mailing address.