Someone
asked me the other day, “So, are you ready for all the holiday craziness?” I
chuckled and quickly responded with an “I guess”—an inaccurate answer, but the
answer I knew this stranger was looking for as she eagerly awaited her
peppermint mocha latte. Later that night as I lay in bed, I pondered her
question. I realized that had I been able to, I would have changed my answer.
You see, this time last year our family of three was facing a flurry of activity. I think the final to-do list for me the week before Thanksgiving looked something like this: 1) Pre-Op blood work 2) Defend Thesis to earn M.A. 3) Have gall bladder removed. Yes, this time last year I was recovering from gall bladder surgery, graduating, facing Christmas shopping with post-surgery limitations, and James and I tackled the task of throwing Sadie a birthday party that would be separate and wonderful apart from the general hubbub of Christmas. Then, not even a week after Sadie’s party, when we were so thankful to be back to “normal,” we sold our house. We were moving. We were so thankful for this blessing, but we felt rushed and anxious. However, this year feels different.
I have noticed many people often seem dissatisfied with the general craziness of the Christmas season, but I wonder if the general craziness before the peace is somewhat analogous to what Mary and Joseph may have experienced. Worried about traveling while pregnant (by way of donkey, no less) to a neighboring village, in response to a mandated census decree, is not exactly my idea of a jolly holiday. It sounds stressful! Then, couple that stress with “no room in the inn” and consider a pregnant woman, so weary from a journey and so close to going into labor that she finds rest in a barn surrounded by livestock. When you really think about it, the overall experience of Mary and Joseph’s adventure in no way mirrors the soothing theme of any Bing Crosby holiday tune. Their experience was taxing and much more so than standing in a long line for a great deal or worrying about what week the lights will finally be up on the house so the neighbors will not question one’s state of merriment. Mary and Joseph may have felt rushed or worried. Then, peace came into the world. Jesus was born.
As a mother, I have pondered what it would have been like to give birth in a barn, away from the comforts of an inn or a hospital or my home. Would I have thought about all I had experienced and joyfully “ponder these things” in my heart, thankful for God’s provision? Or would I have been swallowed by bitterness and jealously with those who had a room in the inn, with the people who were traveling and not pregnant, or been angry at the man who had declared now would be the best time for a census? I think the story of Christ’s birth reminds us that life may bring us into seasons of stress, but it is the state of our hearts that can help us remain joyful as we wait on upcoming seasons of peace.
For us, this last year was fantastic and challenging. We moved into a different house in Freindswood. James and I like to call it our “forever home” and are so thankful for the life ahead at our new address. However, this year we also said goodbye to two of my Granny’s sweet sisters, Aunt Margie and Aunt Kathleen. Our sweet dog, Ginger, also passed away—a special loss for James’ as she was his late Uncle’s dog. Yet, God is good as He also brought us into community with family members and so many new friendships. Between James’ morning breakfasts with friends, my book club meetings and Bible studies, and Sadie’s multiple play dates, our calendars overflow with precious friends and family.
This Christmas, James and I wanted to celebrate all we have been given. So, in response to last year’s craziness, we accomplished much before the arrival of December. I must admit that I have already wrapped all the gifts and have my cards coming out before the beginning of January (very unlike us in the Hamon household), but I wanted to know what it would be like to truly enjoy this holiday season—to experience the peace of Christmas as long as the radio stations and gingerbread lattes would allow. So, if I am asked again in a local coffee haunt how I am “enduring” this holiday season, I will be honest. We are really enjoying this season of peace and are thankful for the bounty of friends and family with which we are blessed.
As you enjoy the rest of December, please know that we sent you this letter because you are special to us. You are part of the community of friends that James and I value so very much. We love you and hope that this Christmas season your favorite memories will be filled with peaceful moments and the joy of community with others. And with lattes. Lots of gingerbread lattes. J
Love,
James, Kristin, & Sadie Hamon
