As I'm sure for many of us, this Christmas season came upon me fast and without preparation. Christmas Eve at 2:00 p.m. found my mom and I hustling off to Walmart for some last minute food items. We make a promise to one another - Fast and Furious and we are out!
Bad News - Parking Lot FULL!
While she is off to the toy area, I set off for food. I scamper around the potatoes and celery trying to make the best of my time. Everyone else has the same plans for time management. As we all try to avoid one another in this possible demolition derby of carts, I stop and hear a sound that penetrates my soul - it is whisling. But it is not simply whistling a happy tune, it is Silent Night.
Suddenly, all of the stress leaves me and perspective enters in. My Savior was born this blessed day and here I am stressed about sweet potatoes and cans of pumpkin.
I left produce to search out my keeper of peaceful whistling. I found an elderly man meandoring through the store seemingly without a care in the world. I watched him for a few moments to appreciate him.
It is so easy to get caught up in the consumerism mentality of Christmas. I, for one, almost succumbed to its seductive trappings. I thanked this anonymous man in the checkout lane for his gift to me.
Let us never forget the gift we have been given at Christmas - Jesus Christ.
