Article December 19, 2005 Issue

Making ROOM

BY CHRISTINE IRBY WILLIAMS

I used to be disturbed about the commercialism surrounding Christmas, and that where I live we start seeing Christmas trees and decorations at shopping malls in October. But recently I realized what a great gift it is to be reminded, at any time, of the Christmas message. So I decided to appreciate it all, including the trees and lights and decorations, and to pray for a greater awareness of what it all represents.

Christmas is meant to wake us up to new ways of making room in both our hearts and lives for God—who is Love itself—to reveal His gifts of peace and of joy, already at hand. And I've been celebrating that new view of Christmas. It all started when I was visiting dear friends at the time their baby was born.

We were delighting in the fact that, as the Bible tells us, every child is God's own image—whole and healthy (see Gen. 1:26). We were grateful that each detail for the arrival of this child was in place: a sweet nursery just for him, bed made, new clothes neatly stored, and walls painted with the Bible story of Noah's ark. There were books and music and toys. He was being welcomed with such joy. And what a wonderful arrival it was—that child brought so much joy to so many.