And On Earth, Peace.

I have to say, after 18 years of Christmases here, the magic hasn't faded.

We just got home from our church's Christmas Eve service. As usual, at least 60% of the Piersmas were in some way involved. This year Jared made his debut on bass (props to him: he hadn't seen the music until today and jumped in like a pro), I played guitar, Seth lit hundreds upon hundreds of candles, Dad sang, and as far as I know Mom and Luke just kinda chilled. It was a beautiful service, reminding me to stay grounded in the true reason for the season.

Now we're waiting for the feast to begin. We set out a nice table cloth, unpack the nice dishes, pour a glass of sparkling grape juice, and then mow down a giant spread of chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, bacon water-chestnuts, shrimp cocktail, and chocolate fondue (in a very sophisticated way, of course). The DVDs are queued up: tonight, A Charlie Brown Christmas and The Nativity Story.

One thing I love about Christmas in the Piersma household is that it is first and foremost about Christ, about how the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We so easily get caught up in the commercialism of the season, the lights, the food, the presents. Or we get caught up in our own issues: we can't afford Christmas, we can't stand our family any more, we're too upset to enjoy the season. All of these are real issues, but none of them keep in mind that the Christmas season is *not* for us. It's not about our happiness, or seeing our families, or even about "loving each other" (as Hallmark would have us believe).

It's about one small, cold, little baby, born in a tiny cave full of animals somewhere in the Middle East. It's about God putting aside His glory and becoming one of us. It's about the creator of our entire universe stepping down and moving into our neighborhood.

It's about a baby who would become a man, a man who would die to save us all.

That's real love.

But... that doesn't mean a little commercialism isn't fun.

There will always be some magic in seeing stockings overflowing with candy and toys, beautifully wrapped boxes appearing overnight beneath the tree, half eaten cookies left on the plate that was so carefully prepared for Santa. Even though we're all older and we all know the truth, that feeling of joy on Christmas morning will never fade away. There's nothing better than seeing the glow on my little brother's face when he tears into a box and I know instantly he got exactly what he wanted, the Hallelujah Chorus thundering in the background. These are the memories I will carry for a lifetime.

So tonight, remember: Unto us a child is born. Unto us a son is given.

And don't forget to hang up your stockings with care!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRrWo2kSUiY

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

The Road goes ever on and on

Down from the door where it began.

Now far ahead the Road has gone,

And I must follow, if I can,

Pursuing it with eager feet,

Until it joins some larger way

Where many paths and errands meet.

And whither then? I cannot say.