I would bet that it is safe to say.. that I am not the only one who is shocked to think that Christmas is less than a week away. It seems like just yesterday I was graduating and moving and starting a new job..
Today, all those events seem like a distant memory. But why does it not feel like the Christmas season either? I’m not excited like I normally am.. I’m not in anticipation like normal.. as a matter of fact, I feel very.. unexcited.
I have to work Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (night shift).. Not 100% positive but I’m pretty sure my attitude towards Christmas this year is directly linked. Sure, I love my family. I love the Christmas lights and Christmas trees. I even love getting presents. But what I love most about Christmas.. is the Christmas Eve church service.
The Christmas Eve church service is my favorite service of the whole year. Its one of celebration and rejoicing for the Incarnation.. for the arrival of Christ the King. And unfortunately, I have to miss it this year because I’ll be at work. So, I’m trying to work out how I can make Christmas a celebration.. even when I have to spend it at work.
And then I’m reminded of my call. My call to serve. My call to be a nurse. Christ didnt call me to be a nurse just when I wanted to be or even when it was convenient for me. When the rest of the world is celebrating Christmas, I will be in the hospital. Caring for those who need it most. And although it may not be the traditional Christmas I’ve experienced, my Christmas will be more like the first Christmas.. I believe it will reflect the true meaning of Christmas. I will be serving those who are at their lowest… those who Christ served.. and those that need Christ in this world more than anyone. And hopefully, somehow, I will bring just a little piece of Him to them this Christmas.
So although my Christmas will be different this year.. I will still be in celebration..
