Christmas Comes In

In a few days it will be December

and the season

of 

Love 

Joy

and Peace

will be upon us.

Years ago, I realized that things like love, joy and peace 

don't just happen because 

Tis the Season.

Every year,

somewhere in the midst of 

the hustle and bustle,

the stress of getting all the teacher's presents

the grandparent's presents,

and the kid's presents bought,

the children's pageant rehearsed,

some random regional attempt at the Nutcracker  attended,

the cookie exchange cookies baked,

and the white elephant  wrapped,

I tend to really dislike what Christmas has become.

What I have let it become.

What I have made it.

I become tired, bone tired.

Distracted and grumpy.

Until

Christmas Comes In.

Some years it is a memory.

And some years, a song 

or a sweet act of kindness

when least expected.

A hug.

A verse.

It's like the whole mess has no meaning until that moment-

that magical moment when I remember

the beginning, 

the wonder 

and 

the reason.

Christmas Comes In 

I never know when it will happen

but in the weeks to come, 

I will be watching for it,

and hoping for it

for you too.

In that quiet moment,

I hope you feel the 

peace,

joy

and love

that we have 

because He came.

When Christmas Comes In.