By Todd Hill

I am sitting here in my office listening to Christmas music, counting down the hours until the Christmas festivities commence! There is a relaxed atmosphere among the staff as we spend time distracting one another from work while we share upcoming holiday plans and discuss our last-minute shopping needs. As I consider all of the fun ahead of me, spending time with my family and friends, the words to a wistful carol comes across the station: “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones we used to know.” Since my office window is open to let in the balmy 60 degree spring-like air, I realize that a white Christmas will only happen in my dreams this year. However, since my mother was diligent in providing a cultured upbringing for me, I am able to clearly envision a white Christmas outside as I reminisce the scenes of Danny Kay and Bing Crosby singing, “May your days be merry and bright, and may all your Christmases be white.”

Somehow that phrase stands out to me this time. It is almost as if Crosby is pronouncing a Christmas blessing, or even a benediction of sorts. His wish for me this Christmas is for my days to be merry and bright and that all of my Christmases will be white. Two things come to mind when I consider this seasonal benediction.

First, I can’t help but note the contrast between this blessing and ones that I find in Scripture. As I read the benedictions and blessings given throughout Scripture, the repeated theme is that even though your days are really messy and hard, may you experience Christ’s peace, love, and hope in spite of your circumstances.

This leads me to the next thing that I note as I hear him singing, “Just like the ones we used to know.” Our heart’s longing is for things to be made right. Somehow, deep down, we all know that this Christmas will not be like it used to be. However our advent longing is not really for Christmases gone by, but for that Garden of Eden experience that Jesus promises to bring when He returns someday.

I am going back to work now, but I will keep singing along with the carols that are playing. Deep down each song tells a story of a longing that rings true in my heart. A longing for white Christmas and streets of pure gold where there is no need for sun or moon for the glory of God gives it light.