A CHRISTMAS SABBATH


A survey of people's favorite holidays would always find Christmas at the top of the list—
especially if the survey included children.  There is something about Christmas that has caused it 
to be cherished and warmly remembered.  Think about all the things that go into making 
Christmas special.

First, there are the family reunions.  Christmas is a time to get together with family and friends 
and to celebrate these precious relationships.  Most of us will have numerous dinners and parties 
and those special family gatherings that happen just once a year.  For some of us, the traditions 
are long and the rituals almost sacred.

Then there are the decorations and special holiday trimmings.  Christmas wouldn't be Christmas 
without a tree—all decked out in holiday flair.  Of course there must be lights, and plenty of 
them.  We light our homes; we light the trees and shrubs; we light the stairs and the windows 
too.  Could there be a Christmas without trees and lights, candles and ornaments, wreathes and 
mistletoe?

Thirdly, there are the meals—those wonderful feasts of turkey and dressing, casseroles and 
desserts, cakes and cookies.  The list could go on and on.

And we can't forget the gifts—at least the children can't.  What would Christmas be without 
Santa Claus, Rudolph and presents of all types and sizes?  Christmas Eve is still the most 
enchanting evening of all!

You may be thinking by now, why the title A Christmas Sabbath?  Well, if you're not tired just 
thinking about all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, you will be after it's over.  Perhaps 
the one thing that I most dislike about Christmas is the inability to enjoy it because of all that's 
packed into it.  Sometimes I just want to STOP!  Stop and reflect on what it all means!  Stop and 
take in the beauty of the season!  Stop and cherish the memories that are threatened with too 
much, too fast!  Sometimes I just want to STOP!

The Bible calls this cessation of work "Sabbath" or "rest."  God recognized a long time ago that 
man needs to occasionally stop and rest; to pause and reflect on himself and his relationship with 
God.  I think it would be a shame to approach a holiday built upon the Messiah's entrance into 
the world and not pause (observe a Sabbath) long enough to reflect on what this event should 
mean to all of us.

Take a day off between now and December 25 and observe a Christmas Sabbath.  You'll enjoy 
the season better if you do.


God bless,

Leslie S. Chapman