I took the Christmas cards down today. I decided to leave them out longer this year than usual. We were gone for the first two weeks of January, and when we returned, there were some Christmas cards in the mail. I just could not bring myself to let go of them when I had only just received them. So they have continued to decorate our house long after the other decorations came down.
We received a fraction of the number of Christmas cards we received in previous years. I understand some of the reasons for this. Postage rates have climbed so high at the same time that gasoline prices drop that I feel I should visit people rather than send them a card. Okay, that is not practical. I would have to drive the entire country and even to other parts of the world. Still, it is expensive and social media greetings are so much easier and quicker. After all, with one "Merry Christmas" on Facebook I can reach out to hundreds of friends. Or can I?
When I read a "Merry Christmas" on Facebook, I do not assume that someone is thinking about me when they posted it, but when I receive a card in the mail, I know that a friend took the time to think about me and send me a card. I received a tangible expression of that person's care for me when I picked up my mail that day. Then, when they took the time to add a note or include a newsletter, I also get caught up on their news. That, too, is a blessing.
As I pulled the cards down off the door frames where they were hanging, I reread them. Here are some of the special blessings I found in them:
The Christmas card tradition may not last. Hopefully, it will be replaced with something even more meaningful. But I, for one, have been glad this year to enjoy the gift of Christmas cards once again.
We received a fraction of the number of Christmas cards we received in previous years. I understand some of the reasons for this. Postage rates have climbed so high at the same time that gasoline prices drop that I feel I should visit people rather than send them a card. Okay, that is not practical. I would have to drive the entire country and even to other parts of the world. Still, it is expensive and social media greetings are so much easier and quicker. After all, with one "Merry Christmas" on Facebook I can reach out to hundreds of friends. Or can I?When I read a "Merry Christmas" on Facebook, I do not assume that someone is thinking about me when they posted it, but when I receive a card in the mail, I know that a friend took the time to think about me and send me a card. I received a tangible expression of that person's care for me when I picked up my mail that day. Then, when they took the time to add a note or include a newsletter, I also get caught up on their news. That, too, is a blessing.
As I pulled the cards down off the door frames where they were hanging, I reread them. Here are some of the special blessings I found in them:
- Memories we shared during the year.
- A desire to get together in the new year.
- Photos of children who are growing and friends whom I have not seen in years.
- Expressions of commitment to pray for us.
- A couple cards included gifts for our ministry which we submitted to IPM for our overseas travel expenses.
- A reminder that we are privileged to be a part of a huge body of Christ.
The Christmas card tradition may not last. Hopefully, it will be replaced with something even more meaningful. But I, for one, have been glad this year to enjoy the gift of Christmas cards once again.
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