Joyful Noise
Recently, I have been contemplating the busyness and stress some feel surrounding the Christmas season and have been coincidentally (but probably not) surrounded by content and many conversations that have caused me to feel persuaded to interject a reflection about some aspects of the Christmas season contrary to the grain in which society runs.
Our world seems to have this idea that the Christmas season should be full of quiet, serene, and idyllic moments. Where robotic children sit still in contemplation and the days are more slow than fast. Our social media feeds are riddled with magazine worthy, stark white pictures of beautiful Christmas trees in empty living rooms, children sitting on a floor surrounded by colorless toys that are stacked to look perfectly disheveled, but still posed… or photos of spotless kitchens with countertops that spill over with treats and goodies, but no sign that even a dusting of flour ever fell out of place. And sure, those quiet and picture perfect moments do happen, and they are lovely, but in reality, they are just a small slice of the season. Oftentimes, Christmas is just plain noisy. In every sense of the word.
It’s easy for some to become stressed, overwhelmed, and frustrated that Christmas is busy. I hear musing from people wrestling with feeling like there is “never enough time.” That there are too many places to be, presents to wrap, Christmas cards to send, and much too little time in the day. Not to mention that text from that band director about a concert the very next day. Oh… You forgot to put that on your calendar? Whoops. Better luck next time. The busyness of the season quickly becomes a point of contention for some and eyes are torn away from the glorious promises fulfilled in the Incarnation.
How quick are we to assume that the Incarnate God entering the world was restful and serene? Consider the disruptions. Surely Mary did not have a painless labor or childbirth. What about the magi? I’m only guessing here, but I bet they did not have “follow a star to Bethlehem” pencilled into their pocket calendars. How about the shepherds in their field, standing terrified in the midst of an angel, only then to witness the host of heaven had appeared around them in worship to God. But seriously, what the heck did they do with all those sheep that night?
When God came to earth in the form of a man, surely it was not quiet and still. In fact, we most certainly know this. Consider the disruption of fleeing with this newborn King to Egypt to escape death. A far cry from a silent living room.
Perhaps instead of allowing the stress and overwhelm to overtake us, we choose joy in this noisy season. Maybe, just maybe, Christmas is not about the quiet and easy moments. Perhaps, it is about walking joyfully through the loud and busy times, relishing in the fullness of life Christ has given us.
Count it all joy, brethren.
By Lexi Brookey, 4th Degree Black Belt
Team Chip Abilene