Article December 22, 2008 Issue

UNWRAPPING GOD'S STEADFAST CARE

BY BEVERLY GOLDSMITH

Over the course of my life, Christmas seems to have undergone many changes. When I was a child, it used to be about waking up to gifts mysteriously left at the end of my bed. We gathered around the table to eat a full English roast dinner accompanied by steaming hot plum pudding. Then there were songs about snow, warm glowing fires, and sleigh rides. Often all of this took place on a scorching Australian summer's day as we wiped away the perspiration from our faces. Years later, the lovingly wrapped presents and the delicious food took a back seat as the ever-growing extended family sought to maintain contact and spend time with one another.

Fast forward to today. Cultural differences have altered the landscape of Christmas in this country. The sunshine and relaxed lifestyle have led to barbecues and family celebrations at the beach. Commercialism has swept in, with stores starting to sell for the season earlier each year, and people overspending on their credit cards. On the home front, family members have passed on, others have moved to places far away. For many people Christmastime is a lonely period—even friends can be hard to find.

With all the changes that can take place with ourselves, those we know, and the community at large, it's tempting to dread the festive season or want to shun it entirely. I know, because this is how I once felt. The family scene had dramatically altered. My husband and I found ourselves on our own for the first time in our lives. When it happened the next year and the next, it was hard to take. We tried inviting friends, acquaintances, and neighbors, but everyone had their own plans. No one it seemed needed our company.