Christmastime in New Mexico is a wonderful and festive time of year. The
smell of green Chile dishes arise from many kitchens, and luminarias-paper bags
with lit candles and sand line the streets and driveways of many
neighborhoods-greeting the new born savior. And in 1975, my first Christmas
knowing Jesus, I was a new New Mexico resident for all of three weeks. With big
plans for Christmas, going to California and spending it with friends from high
school and my room mate John. It was also to be my first Christmas away from
family-a lot of firsts for a 21 year old. But a few days before Christmas the
rules changed. Mr. Hansch, Eddie's dad and who we were going to stay with in
Costa Mesa died unexpectedly. Brennan was ok in Santa Monica, and John was able
to get a flight to Memphis at the last minute and go back to be with his
family. And I was left in Albuquerque all alone as I knew no one yet. A time
that appeared sad but ended up being joyous. For my new friend and family
member Jesus spent it with me-just us alone. A special time I will never
forget, nor try to put into words, it was that special. A lot of firsts all at
once, and I would do it all again.
My second New Mexico Christmas was two years later, with more firsts. It
was the first Christmas with my new best friend and wife to be Theresa. Again
without family, a first for her, but we would start a new tradition, us together
which now is celebrating the birth of Jesus for the 35th year! Two Christmases
both with special gifts from a loving savior, truly it is the most wonderful
time of the year.
After a brief hiatus to Colorado, we were back in New Mexico six years
later, and now with a family of our own. I believe that kids truly bring out a
special part of the holidays, and this year my two sons did. Christopher was 5
this year, and was known as the dinosaur kid. In kindergarten he knew them all,
and aided by shirts made by my mother, wore one everyday. And that year we
found a 6' tall inflatable Godzilla, his hero, and on Christmas Eve took almost
an hour to blow it up-by mouth. Never thinking as we sat in our bedroom that it
wouldn't fit out the door, or down the hall. So...while most of you were
hanging the stocking by the fire with care, we had to deflate most of it, drag
it down the hall, and then blow it up again. But all was worth it as he loved
it and again Christmas was very special, with another new friend spending it
with us-Godzilla. It seems our family embraces all of Christmas from God to
Godzilla, two kings, one of the monsters and one the King of Kings!
The Christmases we celebrate today were strongly influenced by the story
"Twas the night before Christmas" written about 100 years ago. Before then it
didn't have quite the structure it has today. Add a dose of Hollywood
interpretation via some classic films. and an ad campaign by Coca Cola in the
thirties giving Santa a face, a suit of red, and a personality, and we arrive at
today, aided or hindered by pre-Christmas sales, ads proclaiming us unloving if
we don't over indulge our spending, and cities afraid of Jesus, passing laws to
prohibit singing of carols and nativity scenes, not even mentioning the name
God. Strange how they are afraid to say God, but in the same public setting
will use His name in vain. That isn't illegal. I pray they soon come to know
Him, and find the true meaning and message of Christmas.
Many families have Christmas traditions, and new families are just starting
their own. Keep Christ in your Christmas, for without Him it is just a mess,
like most other days of the year without Him. Let it be personal, give gifts in
love, it isn't giving if you feel you need to, and gather when you can with
friends and family. But most important, spend time with that special one,
Jesus. After all it is His birthday, and what kind of party would it be without
the birthday boy? So give gifts to others in His love, as He has given to us.
Remember those in jail, or in hospitals, or homeless. Take time to share His
love with all you see....and if in New Mexico, have some green Chile chicken
enchiladas on
Theresa and I.
Theresa and I.
For "although it's been said, many times, and many ways...Merry Christmas
to you!" And Happy Birthday Jesus...." What firsts will you celebrate this
year? Start a new tradition with Jesus today, the best friend, best gift you
will ever receive. Merry Christmas to all who read this and to all those you
hold most dear!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com