LEE: Moving forward with grace and gratitude

The holidays demonstrate a tricky time of year teeming with hope, devotion, reflection and togetherness. Considering the last few holidays, this season was the first opportunity for us to be together again. Time moved quickly, and planning became my sole focus. While beautiful, time moves fast, and there is so much to do, planning for Thanksgiving meals, Christmas gatherings, or New Year’s guest accommodations. Beyond the excitement of the season, some experience sorrow or struggle. We notice those missing from the celebrations, distant and departed loved ones.

Some may experience financial or work obligations restricting the routine bonds of family and friends. We must also acknowledge the impact and tremendous mental health strains realized during the pandemic. Yet we still joyfully gather. Eventually, during the yuletide joy, the harm of sin becomes prevalent, distracting us from the splendor of the season. The more time we spend with one another, the more we see the cracks and bruises life imprints on each of us. We see the harm sin has placed on all of us. We lose patience, begin judging, and place fault on those imperfections.

In judging others, we expose and realize the tarnishes of sin on ourselves. Reflecting on this time leads my thoughts to “ugly” Christmas sweaters. We usually refer to them as “ugly” because they are brash, obvious, dreadful or imperfect. Others can be considered comical, jubilant, imaginative, humorous, or even silly. Distinctly, they are unique, just like people.

What if we looked at one another like those sweaters?

What if we intentionally and purposely treated others as we treated ourselves? By seeing the person with love and embracing their sweater blemishes, we participate in the fulfillment of Jesus’s birth, teachings and mission. We remember to walk in the footsteps of Christ and choose humility, patience, kindness and forgiveness. Doing so provides us, and those we encounter, with the graces of hope and visions of new days ahead.

An angel in the Gospel of Luke tells us, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David, a Savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.” Some may say, “Jesus is the reason for the season.”

Nonetheless, we remember the importance of His birth, we meet the season and one another with hope and gratitude. We never forget that God is working with us and through us. Being more like Christ and treating others as ourselves gives others permission to take their place in the body of Christ. In doing so, the same appreciation and optimism from the holidays carries over throughout the year to all those we serve and in all that we do. As such, another grace manifests, the infinite opportunities to know, love, and serve Him. †

Franchelle Lee is the director of Special Youth Services.

(Photo by Sebastien Desarmaux / Godong)