One of the reasons I like to fill up at a Wawa store is that they play popular music over the gas pump station speakers. Of course, with it being December, Christmas songs have started to invade the playlist. Earlier this month I heard a song with which I was not familiar. A little research revealed that the name of the song was “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day” (I believe it was the Kylie Minogue version) and the chorus goes like this:

Well I wish it could be Christmas every day
When the kids start singing and the band begins to play
Oh I wish it could be Christmas every day
Let the bells ring out for Christmas

On the one hand, I get the sentiment. Everything is a little cheerier as we get closer to December 25th. The atmosphere around us appears more festive with all the decorations. It’s a time to party with family and friends, and there is an air of anticipation all around regarding gifts and events. Who wouldn’t want this feeling everyday?

However, as I contemplated the lyrics, I thought about what Christmas represents for people of faith. Christmas is the time we celebrate Jesus coming to earth in order to reconcile God and mankind. In that sense, everyday is Christmas. There is no need to wish that it was so.

But I do have to admit, just like the commercialized version, I don’t necessarily “feel” it all year long. Sure, intellectually I know it’s true and I make strides to live my life accordingly. Emotionally, however, it feels more “real” to me twice a year: Christmas and Easter.

So what am I (and anyone else who has the same problem) to do? You might remember me telling you that we keep our (or should I say my wife’s) “Christmas Eiffel Tower” up all year.  Perhaps we should do the same with our Christmas tree. Maybe seeing it everyday will keep us in good cheer and remind us daily of the baby born in the manager, God’s gift to us. At the very least, keeping it up will make decorating next year that much easier.