Grace at Christmas Time

What is there about Christmas that encourages me to measure my life against perfection? Is it glossy magazines that boast perfectly decorated rooms and great spreads of food that promise to dazzle the taste buds as well as the eye? Perhaps I'm affected by idealized memories of Christmas past. Where does my idea of the perfect family come from where everyone is on the same page spiritually, where everyone relishes the same activities, where everyone agrees on important issues like politics, child raising, and finances?

This year for the first time in 9 years our whole family was together for Christmas. The gathering was complete with a son-in-law, a daughter-in-law and three grandchildren. My mother's presence provided the apex of our family tree. We all enjoyed each others' company. We laughed together and we recounted memories of days passed. Although treasured ornaments adorned the tree and we ate cookies and cheese crackers from time honored recipes, there was no sign of slick Christmas perfection. I chose not to make my grandmother's potato rolls. A turkey breast instead of the whole bird was the center of our meal. Stove top dressing was our choice instead of a Rachel Ray creation as well as mashed potatoes from a box.

Four adult children (my baby is 27) gathered with their parents as well as other immediate family. There were no cross words or awkward silences. Graciousness in the giving and receiving of gifts was seen. I saw no perfection in our time together. I saw a group of 12 people who might never have developed friendships if they were not bound by family ties but they did not chafe against those ties. The multitude of strengths and weaknesses in each individual are tools in our father's hand to make us better instruments of his purpose. Only in heaven will God's grace produce perfection. For now His grace is seen in easy laughter, heart felt hugs and smiles instead of harsh words. In this world where sin abounds how amazing is the richness of His grace.

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