I didn't see Jesus in any of the gifts I bought for my family members,
I didn't see Him in my hot chocolate, or frosted sugar cookies.
I didn't see Jesus in the tinsel or tree, in the lights, or ornaments.
He wasn't there.
He wasn't around in the wrapping paper, and the excitement through waking up in the morning, to the smell of coffee and cinnamon rolls. Walking down the stairs, gathered by the tree. He wasn't present in the unwrapping of the gifts, or the cleanup afterward.
Sometimes it was even hard to see Him in groups of people, shopping at the mall, ice skating at the rink, singing at the door, or in the elaborate neighborhood decor.
To be honest, I didn't always see him in plastic nativity scenes, or paintings.
And it's not that He wasn't necessarily there, but I wasn't looking for Him.
I didn't look because I was so captured by the sweet scent of the Holidays.
The joy of going home, baking, wrapping gifts, opening gifts, and all the activities to follow.
It wasn't always selfish, because there is nothing like watching the person you have given a present to open the gift with a great big smile.
And there's nothing wrong with spending time with family, having reunions, and getting with friends.
There's nothing even wrong with celebrating.
We're aware of Christmas because it's a Holiday.
It's a special time of year, that many celebrate around the world.
But imagine if we forgot Christmas, forgot a Holiday, or a birthday.
It sounds almost silly, and awful to think.
To forget the birthday of a loved one you're living with, or your spouse, is not something you're likely to get away with.
Theologian would say December 25th is not necessarily Jesus' birthday, and many would argue what that actual date is.
But the point is, it's not just a Birthday.
It's the coming of a promise. The end of an era, and the start of a ministry that would truly change the world for years, and years, and years to come.
It's about a star, some wise men, animals, teenagers, and a baby.
No glitz and glamour, no sweet scents of cinnamon or roasted chestnuts.
And most definitely not a story anyone would make up, it doesn't really scream "Hollywood."
So no, I didn't see Jesus in my tree, or in my ornaments.
He wasn't there in the gifts and the shopping.
But I saw Him in the eyes of those who couldn't afford gifts being given to them by churches and organizations.
I saw Him in the random acts of kindness, giving a homeless person hot chocolate, or through those inviting friends with no family members to come to celebrate the Holidays with them. Plowing the snow away for the neighborhood, bringing cookies to old folks home, or through the telling of the Christmas story.
But more importantly, I saw Him in our Hearts.
Even if we didn't always acknowledge Him, He was there.
