Maybe it's just the season, the culture, the long awaited need for respite that brings folk to such a heightened place of joy this time of the year. It's not religion alone because the irreligious get into the Xmas spirit as well!
What if it is the Spirit, the God who referred to himself/herself as Love, loving folk regardless of how their year has gone, or even if no reciprocal action occurred. Love is not demanding of a response.
People seem to love being loved, often showing out with fresh glee, at least offering gifts, many with a renewed desire for true togetherness and celebration. Why?
Be it Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or the somewhat later Chinese New Year, their's a time to worship ancestors and celebrate with loved ones.
Something about humans compells them to celebrate, be it a Babe in a Manger or the year of the Rabbit!
We were made to celebrate, to love and to be loved, its a womb work!
Yes, we were made, and in the image of God, who is love! Though this Being sits over, among and throughout the radius of billions of galaxies and likely does not have the form of man, the essence of that Being is love. Perhaps is what we sense and call Love. It was present in the crowded filth of the Holocaust, just read th memoirs.
Love's taking on the form of man, in the lowly fashion of a stable was to relate in a tangible way that even the lowest of men could understand. The stable animals likely felt that perfume-like essence that permeates any environment when love is intentionally demonstrated.
He took on the form of man to assure us, to comfort us, and yes to celebrate life with us! He even hung a star over Bethlehem!
Just chill for a week or so, and enjoy the love! Take a risk on expressing the love, not necessarily by spending money you dont have, but by offering a radiant smile at a stranger, providing a tight and genuine squeeze to an annoying child, or spending time just sitting in the presence with someone grieving their first holiday alone.
That's how love looks!
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NIV
Something is in the air this time of the year, something I am grateful for. Let love do what love does. Be there for someone!