For me (Nate) Christmas can be some what of a mixed bag. I really love an opportunity to remind myself of the incarnation. I love to remember this beautiful, impossible, redemptive act of the God who pursues us. I also love wonderful times with family and friends to celebrate and enjoy each others company. It is always a special time of year, one that will be especially hard when we are over seas.
But as my wife will confirm, I am not an intensely sentimental person. I am not usually one to get caught up in that part of any holiday. The consumerism built into the American celebration of Christmas and the ways that plays at my heart also can make this time of year challenging.
This Christmas I have meditated on a carol by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Besides being an amazing piece of poetry, it is a moving exploration of how it often seems as though God is far off.
Here is Johnny Cash singing the song.
But as my wife will confirm, I am not an intensely sentimental person. I am not usually one to get caught up in that part of any holiday. The consumerism built into the American celebration of Christmas and the ways that plays at my heart also can make this time of year challenging.
This Christmas I have meditated on a carol by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Besides being an amazing piece of poetry, it is a moving exploration of how it often seems as though God is far off.
Here is Johnny Cash singing the song.
to read the full text of the poem hit the read more link (I really encourage it, there are some great extra stanzas in the poem that the song omits).
