Dickens of a Time
I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live… Ecclesiastes 3:12 (ESV)
Every year on the first Friday/Saturday in December, Wellsboro is transformed into a town from the Dicken’s era (1812-1870). My hometown really gets into it and everyone has a wonderful time despite the snow, wind, and freezing temperatures.
Street vendors sell their wares of beautiful homemade crafts. Scrooge is in full garb and grumbles all the way. Carolers stroll and sing Christmas songs. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus walk the streets speaking to all the children. The dirty (Dicken’s) street urchins dance and sing as they wander up and down the main street. The town is over crowded with tourists and locals sipping hot, mulled cider and munching on freshly baked pastries. It is a Dickens of a time.
It is a time of history, fun, making new friends, and great community. For two days the problems of the world seem far away.
Monday rolls around. There isn’t much evidence left to be seen. Everyone is back at work, out shopping, or just recovering from all the doings. The holiday anxiety returns as if someone flipped a light switch.
Christmas is not supposed to be a stressful time, yet that is what it has become for many. The perfect gifts, finances, entertaining, attending school functions, church activities etc., are all major contributors. These things have been around for years and yet with all our brilliant technology, counseling, and education, we have not learned how to get past our individual worries.
Just for a moment, consider the true meaning of this season. It’s not about glittery ornaments, festive attire, unique decorations, or fancy wrapping paper. We must learn to stop listening to the world; stop buying expensive things people don’t need or want.
Our focus must change course. We need to celebrate Jesus!
Christmas is about a naked baby boy who came into our world. He was wrapped in a dirty piece of cloth. They laid Him on some hay in a manger. There was no coming home outfit. No baby shower.
He was/is the gift!
Simplicity, at its finest, arrived on that night. Yet His mission was profound!
This year, have a Dickens of a time. May you find simple joy and profound love during this season and always.
Gracious God, thank You for sending Your Son into our world. May we never lose sight of the joyful reason He came to us. AMEN.