We started a Christmas tradition years ago when our children were very young. We went to the mall and ate dinner together. Then Chris took one child shopping and I took the other. It allowed each one to find gifts for their sibling and parents in secret. Hannah and Brooks no longer need us to take them shopping, but we all have a fun evening and so the tradition continues.
Both Hannah and Brooks are really thoughtful and intentional about the gifts they give, but each has a unique approach to gift-giving. Hannah will search high and low for the perfect gift for someone and consult others for advice on what they think the person would really want. Brooks is a quick shopper because he always knows what he wants for someone based on what he knows about them.
I can remember a special gift that I have received from each of them; each creating a special Christmas memory that I will always cherish. Several years ago when Brooks was probably around 13, I opened his Christmas present and discovered that he had gotten me a dress. Now, many spouses won’t take on the risk of giving a dress, let alone a teenage boy. My husband, Chris, quickly tried to give me a heads up by saying, “Now I wasn’t sure about it, but Brooks said that you liked that dress.” I replied that I did, I was just astonished at how Brooks made the determination on size and how much I liked that particular dress when I only looked at it for a few moments. Brooks said, “I could just tell that you really liked it and I made sure to notice the size you were looking at.” To have someone that, in just a glance (because I don’t remember Brooks showing the slightest interest in the dress!), can read you and know you that well – is an amazing gift in itself.
There was another Christmas morning that Hannah began fidgeting while I opened her gift to me. She had been telling me for weeks that she was “working” on my present and thought I was going to love it. She never took her eyes off my face and before I had even finished taking off the wrapping paper she said, “I hope you like it, it’s okay if you don’t, but I really hope you like it and understand it.” I took out a beautifully hand-painted plaque of a quote from one of her (and my) favorite childhood books, “I’ll Love You Forever” by Robert Munsch. She had painted the words, “I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, as long as I’m living, your baby I’ll be.” I loved the gift and all the memories it brought back. I also loved how much she wanted me to like it. To have someone that truly longs for your joy is an amazing gift in itself.
To have people that know you and long for your joy is a rich blessing in life. It is also the gift we receive at Christmas. Jesus was born so that we see that He understands and knows us – our needs and our struggles. And Jesus came that we might live a life with joy and meaning. He continues to show us the way to abundant life, loving God and loving our neighbor as ourselves.
We need the Advent season, because it takes time to contemplate the unconditional love of God. Take time this Advent to think of the love that Christ exemplifies, the love for all of humanity and for each individual. Christ knows and loves you and brings joy for your world!
Rev. Wendy Lambert, Senior Executive Pastor
