Clear your calendar to celebrate the season

The annual expectations of Christmas can easily undermine my ability to celebrate its significance. Too many commitments find me focused on the gift wrap instead of the gift. If Abigail van Buren were still living, I might be inclined to write her the following letter.

Dear Abby,

I have a dilemma. I've been invited to celebrate the birth of a much-awaited baby born to a family who had all but given up hope of ever having one.

For the longest time they dreamed of cradling an infant in their arms. For years they imagined the joy of embracing a little one and all that new life represented. And then it happened. A child was born, but under the most mysterious circumstances.

The mother found herself in an unplanned pregnancy while engaged to someone else. What appeared to be the result of a one-night stand was never satisfactorily explained. Equally as curious was her fiance's willingness to proceed with plans for the wedding and then to claim the baby as his own once the little boy was born. As you might imagine the extended family is beside themselves with joy.

A grand celebration has been planned. Out-of-town guests from back east are invited. So, too, neighbors and friends. The angelic announcement informing the world of this little cherub was out of this world. "Glory to God in the highest" was etched across the top. And the venue for the party is most unique. The parents are opting for an agrarian atmosphere, with the festive open house being held in an old, rustic barn on the edge of town.

My wife and I would dearly love to take part in the celebration, but commitments on our calendar threaten our availability. The demands this time of year are nothing short of chaotic. There's shopping for a tree, trimming it and decorating our home. Did I mention stringing lights outside the house?

There's the holiday party at work, a program at our kids' school and a concert at church. We've cards to address and send, all the while shopping, cooking and preparing for extended family coming for dinner and a gift exchange.

Abby, as I read over what I've written to you, I know what to do. My dilemma is solved. I need to clear my holiday calendar so not to miss the reason for the season. I want to honor His birth.

Signed,

A Slow Learner

The Rev. Greg Asimakoupoulos

• Rev. Greg Asimakoupoulos is the faith and values contributor to The Mercer Island Reporter in suburban Seattle. For 2000-2005, he was a regular columnist of the Daily Herald.