For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 1 Corinthians 13:12
Christmas is great. No doubt about it. It’s always a bit better in our memory and our anticipation than it is. I have a theory about that. I think it’s because Christmas is a glimpse of Heaven on earth. The Heaven part is the peace on earth, good will to men, Christmas Spirit thing that we all love. The “on earth” part is the commercialization, stress, gifts that flop, relatives that irritate, tables that don’t look like the ones in the magazine, the bills that come in January.
If we can separate the two, we can gain a whole new appreciation of how great Heaven will be. Imagine Christmas every day without the “on earth” part. Heaven will be lots more than that, but at least it’s a glimpse. Those special moments that happen today, let them be glimpses for you. Those not so special moments, let them be reminders that we are still here.
Let this idea also free you from guilt if things aren’t perfect today. Guess what? You are not perfect, but you will be in heaven. When the relatives get under your skin, just think of them perfected in heaven, if they make it :). If the thought of them not making it makes you smile, shame on you. It’s just proof of how imperfect we still are. 🙁
Glimpses are imperfect. It’s looking through a glass darkly. We will see it all clearly then. For today love and accept the love that’s offered, imperfectly in both directions. Imagine what the loving will be like when it’s not dragged down by sin. To love is to receive a glimpse of heaven. Do a lot of loving, today especially. If you can’t do it today, when can you?
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