GlocalNet

Typically my Sunday afternoon consists of pajama pants and my comfy, cozy bed.  But today I found myself at the mall.  I’m finished with my Christmas shopping and we were only there to grab my daughter’s glasses.  The plan was to enter and exit as quickly as possible so that I would not be tempted with the latest sales at some of my favorite stores like Old Navy or Gap.  I strategically parked at the entrance closest to our destination.  And after successfully bypassing all SALE signs and grabbing the glasses, I thought we were home free.  I could see the door in sight.  But who was between us and the door?  You guessed it.  The man in the big red suit! 

I’m such a mean mommy.  While other parents are willing to stand for hours in line with their excited or even their screaming little ones, I’m the one who says, “com’on girls, we can go up to the balcony and watch him for 2 minutes.  Wave big and then we’ve got to move on.”  Today,only after looking at the length of the line, the girls conceded.  We diverted from the plan.  We rode the escalator to the top floor and peered over the railing as Santa was bouncing a teary eyed toddler on his lap.  Olivia, my determined 5 year old, yelled, “hey Santa, up here!”  Even in the middle of all the noise he heard her.  I suppose he must be magic.  He looked up.  All three waved with all their might.  They giggled.  He was waving just for them. And we were done - success. . .Ho, Ho, Ho. . . let’s find the exit quickly and get out of here.

Then it happened.  I turned around and what was staring me in the face, beckoning me to come?  Nope, it wasn’t the exit sign.  But it was a sign. . .it had great green and alluring letters and below it next to the doorway was the cup. . .yep, the big, red Christmas cup. . .and all of a sudden I realized that all of my exiting efforts had been in vain.

I used to love to indulge in a Starbucks drink that was as far away from coffee as possible.  But over time and in an attempt to relieve my checking account as much as possible, I have learned to drink the real stuff.  “I’d like a tall Christmas coffee with room for cream, please.”  Funny, usually I have to add my own extras, but today, they decided to do it for me.  And after waiting and waiting I heard them call my order. . .“A tall Christmas with cream for Amy!”

That’s it.  That’s what I want!  Isn’t that what we all want and hope for?  A Tall Christmas with Cream. . .A grand holiday with all the fat.  It makes us feel all warm inside.  It covers over reality.  It makes the world go away.

I wonder. . . if Jesus were to give us a tall Christmas with cream this holiday season, what would it look like?  How would it taste?. . .probably quite different from what Santa or Starbucks might provide. 

I’m trying hard not to divert from the plan this holiday season.  We are determined to spend less and give more.  Those whom we serve and give to and love on have shifted a bit this year from people on the other side of the world to our neighbors whose face we can see and stories we can hear.  This Christmas season is tough for so many people that we come into contact with every day..  Those whom we minister to every day are hurting like never before.  So I’m wondering, how are you loving them?  What will you do to provide them a Tall Christmas with Cream Jesus style?
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posted by Amy Colón
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