Life Outside the Cage

Family traditions abound during Christmas festivities. Inside every woman resides a desire to pass on customs to her children and leave a legacy. But what do you do if you’re single? No children excitedly hover around your tree shaking boxes to guess their gift. Nobody admires your decorations or wants you to read them The Night Before Christmas. Do you establish traditions for yourself or just pack away that yearning and tuck it on a shelf never to be used?

Every year I encountered the same feeling of emptiness when I displayed all my decorations, many of them childhood memories and traditions. Is Christmas not as meaningful for singles, I pondered? Is this something else we have to surrender?

I heard a whisper, “Shelley, you don’t live here by yourself. I live here too. What traditions can we establish together at Christmas?” I realized that was true. Jesus inhabited my home all year, but especially at Christmas. I needed to institute something that was between Him and me.

While staring at my fireplace mantle, I realized that my childhood stocking hung their alone, but what about Jesus? Where was His stocking?” I raced to Hobby Lobby and purchased the perfect stocking, returned home, and hung it with care. His is embroidered with “I” for “Immanuel” – God is with us. (Yes, Immanuel can be spelled with an “E” or an “I”)

My next revelation prompted me to consider what gift I would give Jesus. I spent time and money shopping for the perfect present for others, but where was my gift for my Savior and housemate? Hello, it’s His birthday we’re celebrating.

I wonder what Jesus will want this year?