The Christmas Rush

I think I understand why Scrooge had a bad attitude at Christmas. He must have gone to the Mall, Target, Walmart or any of the many popular places where people shop. He encounters bumper to bumper traffic, the parking lots are so full it’s almost impossible to find a place to park, horns are blaring and stressed out motorist wonder if they have somehow driven into the outskirts of hell. Inside the stores babies are screaming and toddlers are throwing hissy fits. Mother’s are yelling at their children, “Put this back, don’t touch that, shut up and behave”! Long lines of shopping carts mimic the scene going on out in the parking lot. Impatient shoppers curse the incompetence of management for not having more checkouts available. Everyone one is in a hurry. In the minds of anxious shoppers their thoughts usher them into a state of panic, “Rush! Rush! Rush! Don't slow down! Get out of my way! I think I am going to explode! Bah Humbug!”

Christmas Day approaches. Very little time left to put the final touches on what is supposed to be the perfect Christmas -- the picture book, Norman Rockwell, calm, silent night, feel all warm and fuzzy perfect Christmas -- perfect no snags, no problems Christmas. Decorating, cooking, wrapping gifts, attending cantatas, children’s programs, Nativity scenes, caroling, cleaning, company coming, Rush! Rush! Rush! Don't slow down! Get out of my way! I think I am going to explode! Bah Humbug!”

A baby was born in Bethlehem. He came to save a weary, sinful world. The Angels appeared and said, “He is Here! He is for all people, even Scrooges. Don’t rush! Slow down! Come together and praise this new born King. Enjoy him. Enjoy this marvelous season. Peace on earth and goodwill toward men. PEACE on earth!”.