The Reason for the Season

THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR! There is truly nothing better than the smell of a Christmas tree, the tune of holiday cheer, and the buzz around the city with everyone getting merry and bright. I love this time of year for so many very special reasons. It’s an especially important time in our household because it marks the birth of three of the most important men in my life: my brother, John Patrick, my boyfriend, Jared and my Savior, Jesus Christ. This season like many others, I have found myself bustling about trying to get everything that I need to done, find the perfect presents wrapped in the most perfect Pinterested bows, show everyone how much I love them through a thoughtful gift, the list goes on and on. I realized that I have been taking such good care of my loved ones and preparations for a beautiful Christmas while forgetting what this season is truly all about. The latter birthday boy: Jesus Christ. I feel conflicted to post something on social media that exposes my faith, but at the same time know that others out there may connect with where I am in my journey with God.

To my dismay, Sunday school was a requirement in our household growing up. I specifically remember throwing a tantrum on the floor of White Memorial Church, my parents each picking me up by an arm and dragging me into my Sunday school class. As the years grew, we moved churches and I was excited to socialize at my Sunday night youth group for all the wrong reasons. My older brother Stephen, aka "Raff", was very active at church, led the worship band, and was rooted in his faith. He was fascinating to me. I knew God and I felt his presence, yet never fully understood what the big deal was. On a mission trip in middle school, I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I had a powerful moment with Christ and became a true believer. I remember being on a spiritual high.

Since that day, my relationship with Christ has been flakey – on my part, not His. In high school and college, I was more interested in boys and clothes than bible study and prayer. I spent most Sundays nursing a hangover rather than getting it together and making it to church. But through it all, I knew there was a Higher Power that I went to when I needed to seek comfort from worldly pain. I found myself seeking Christ in my lower moments, and in my darkest times. I didn’t give him the credit He deserved through all of the highs in my happy, wonderful moments.

There have been times in my life when I have been very active in my faith. I talk to God every day and I thank Him for my blessings. I praise Him to the best of my ability and talk to others about Him. I read His word, and I make it to church.

I am still on the journey to be a better Christian, to seek God in my every day life and not just during the holiday season. I am a sinner, deeply flawed with insecurities, fears and anxieties. I make mistakes and I put myself first. I am human. But I know that I was made in His image and that He made me to give me purpose, hope and a future. In 2015, I hope to work on my relationship with Christ and put my dreams, my plans, my life, in His hands. I realize and understand that we all have different journeys in our faith. It comes so easy to some, and so much more difficult to others. I know that for the rest of my life there will be ups and downs in all of my relationships, including the one I have with God. No matter where we stand in our relationships with God, I hope that we each take a moment to reflect on our blessings, be thankful for what we have, and look forward to the future with hope. Jesus is the true reason for the season!

Also, my sweet mom, Martha Rafferty shared the below sentiments to her Facebook page. I thought it was too good not to share.

Happy holidays from the Rafferty family!! 20 years have come and gone but in my heart my children still look just like this. Yes the smocking was replaced by Hollister and Abercrombie and has now been traded in for business suits and J Crew sweaters. We've added a daughter in law and graduated all three from college. Frantic trips to Toys R Us and baking cookies for Santa are a thing of the past (until the grandchildren come along ???) Now I just type in a credit card number and bring the (very small but always expensive) packages in from the front porch. Those little angels were always snug in their beds on Christmas Eve. This year it's a scheduling feat to have them all arrive on Christmas morning! The once fragrant evergreen boughs are artificial now but still loaded with the handmade preschool ornaments I can't bring myself to throw out. Our holiday traditions have changed and evolved to suit a growing family, but the reason for the season has not. We have been blessed beyond measure in our lives, and Christmas is a time of gratitude. And so we are thankful. For these three who have grown into happy, successful adults. For our home, for our friends and family, and for the opportunity to give to those less fortunate. And for the freedom to worship and give thanks to our Lord and Savior, whose birth we celebrate with great joy. Merry Christmas All.