Christmas: The SENSES
I get the sense Christmas is almost here. You have to be oblivious or living under a rock to not see it.
At this time each year we start to experience things that are different from the rest of the year, and most of those things appeal to our senses.
The SIGHTS
We often first experience the Christmas season by what we see. Stores begin to put out Christmas items and decorations for purchase. The trees are barren and there might be snow on the ground. We see coloured lights in windows and on houses. We start to see trees with decorations that point to the holidays. Despite all of this… do we SEE Christmas?
The SOUNDS
Where were you when you heard your first Christmas song this year? I was in a grocery store. While going through the motions, I found myself lightly humming the song being played over the speakers when I realized it was a Christmas song. As Christmas Day approaches, we hear people say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays” more often. Despite all of this… do we HEAR Christmas.
The SMELLS and TASTES
At this time of year, the olfactory senses experience the familiar smells of spice scented candles, pine trees and fresh baked goods that will make their way to the table on Christmas Day. We start to enjoy the tastes that make the season special; pumpkin spiced coffees, cranberry muffins, traditional treats and the like. Despite all of this… can we really SMELL and TASTE Christmas?
The TOUCH
What does Christmas FEEL like? I’m not talking about feelings as emotions, but rather the sense of being touched physically by something. Christmas often feels like the extra coat to keep me warm. It’s the feeling of hot apple cider as it warms me. It’s the feeling of sitting close to the crackling fire when the world outside is frosty. But, despite all of this… how do we TOUCH Christmas?
Q: How does your senses engage with Christmas? Be specific.
Last week, we read slowly through the Christmas story. This week, do the same, but filter the story through the lens of the senses.
Again, you can find the story here:
Matthew 1:18 to 2:23 and Luke 1:1 to 2:40
What were the real SIGHTS of the day? Perhaps it looked like multitudes of people on the rocky roman roads traveling to their home for the purpose of being counted in the senseless census. The sight of the angel delivering the message to Mary and Joseph. The bright star in the sky. The cattle so close to the babe. The dirt on the faces and hands of the shepherds as they approached the young family.
The SOUNDS of the day were a lot different than we hear today. They were analog and acoustic. Real. Raw. Not produced or fabricated like we have today. The sounds of the cattle in the stable were real. The cries of despair from the people as they responded to the dictatorial demands of the political leaders. The sound of deep sorrow from death in many families as Roman soldiers carried out the evil plans of Herod. The sound of angels proclaiming the goodness and favour of God. It all sounds so extreme.
The SMELLS and TASTES were all too familiar. There wasn’t anything “seasonal” with what was happening. The donkey still smelled the same. The loaves of bread in the pouch tasted as always. The smell of the fire on a cold night was familiar. It wasn’t “Christmas” per se, it was life as they knew it.
I think the TOUCH of the day was anything but comfortable. Their clothes were made crudely and likely weren’t as soft and comfortable as they fabrics we have today. The backaches of the pregnant women riding on the hard and spiny back of a donkey. The pain caused by sandals as they broke under the strain of the long walk to Bethlehem. The feelings of thirst and hunger. The physical pain of everything a homeless family might feel.
As we ponder all of the “senses” of the holidays, we remember that our comfortable season didn’t start that way. It was harsh. It required unbelievable strength of body, mind and spirit. Much different than that of today.
For some people, the harsh realities of life don’t take a break during the Christmas season. Look underneath any overpass downtown and you will see them. Consider those in intensive care struggling through health issues. Think of those who are struggling with toxic or deteriorating relationships. Cast your mind to those who are lonely, wishing they had family around to share the holidays with. To them, Christmas is anything but merry and bright.
Q: Are there people around you that are experiencing “harsh realities” at this time of year? Do you see them? What can you do to help them be more comfortable?
Paul, in his letter to the Philippians says this in chapter 2:4-8:
Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
As Christ-followers, we are called to follow Christ’s example and love everyone, even those we would consider to be “unlovely”. This calling requires us to be acutely aware of those around us. To open our eyes and SEE them in their harsh situations. To HEAR their words and emotion as they express the need for help, whether silently or loudly. To reach out and TOUCH them with kindness and generosity, and sincere human connection. To FEED them and care for them as an expression of sharing the richness God has given us.
This year, make the decision to participate wholly with helping others experience “the senses” rooted in love for the holidays.
My Prayer:
My God and Father, thank You for this message today. You have given me much to consider as I approach this holiday period. I pray that I would not simply receive the “comfort and joy” of Christmas as something that’s deserved, but rather do my part to give it to others. Open my eyes to clearly see those around me that need my support and help during this time of year. Amen.
Blessings as Always!
Steve Shrout
President, Corpath Forums
Email: president@corpath.ca
"Pursuing Excellence in Business, Life and Spirit"
Special Note:
If you enjoyed today’s message, then share it with someone. Also, use this content and questions as a discussion guide in your next Forum Group meeting.
Attached to this is a printable PDF you can use to help with your meditation and reflection. I encourage you to print it, answer the questions and then keep it in a Corpath binder or folder for future reference and thought. You will receive a new PDF each week with each new Monday Meditation, and, over time, your binder will become a book representing your Corpath journey of BUSINESS thoughts, personal LIFE development, and SPIRITUAL growth.
