Perspective on the Holidays

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving and look ahead to the holiday celebrations throughout the month of December and the beginning of January, I find that I frequently need to recalibrate my expectations and perspective. I originally wrote these thoughts a few years ago in the midst of broken and strained relationships that drastically altered how we celebrate throughout the season. They’re no less applicable today – perhaps even more so.

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Contemplating the holidays today, and the idea of going home and belonging or acceptance. As many of us prepare for a giant feast with various family and friends, we eagerly anticipate the laughter, food, and camaraderie. But really, for those of us who are in Christ, I think this is more of a practice run for a much bigger, better party of sorts, the Marriage Feast of the Lamb. Heaven is the essence of home, I think. Where else will we perfectly belong, be perfectly accepted, and finally be home? Something for each of us to keep in mind as we celebrate and give thanks for our blessings. If the holidays for you are a time when you’re surrounded by loved ones and good times, you can marvel at the knowledge that as good as it is, it still doesn’t even come close to what will be one day. If strained or broken relationships and loss bring a taste of bitterness to this time of year, there is comfort and hope in the knowledge that this is not forever, that one day it will be different. This world is not our home, but sometimes gives us glimpses, a little foretaste, of the one to come. Don’t lose sight of that in the midst of the busyness of the season.

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Happy Thanksgiving, friends! May this day be filled with joy and gratitude, and may the weeks ahead be bright with anticipation of the ultimate celebration.