Christmas cards
Finally, I finished all my Christmas cards! This year I sent out about 250 cards to members of my family, my church family, clergy in the diocese, and several military chaplains — oh, and several friends and other clergy colleagues.
It is an annual ritual that I try to start work on around the first of November. This year I didn’t get started until Dec. 3. But the cards are all in the mail now and I have breathed a sigh of relief.
For me, it is an important act. I realize that many people no longer send out Christmas cards or, if they do, they send them out by email. I think, however, it is important that my friends and family receive a “real” card — not an email notice — and I address them all myself, write something in each card, stamp them all, and take them to the post office or deposit them in my mail box.
My secretary offered to prepare mailing labels for me to make the job easier but I declined. I want it to be personal.
When I pick out the cards, I try to find something that is meaningful. While I like humorous cards, I do not like them for Christmas. The message is too important, the season too significant. The art work and the message need to convey the hopeful and eternal truths that are at the core of the season.
When I address them, for a few moments, I have the family before me. I picture them in my mind and I pray for each individual or family. Sometimes, I linger and offer special prayers if I know someone is going through a difficult time. Sometimes, I sense a special need to pray for someone even though I am not aware of any special circumstances. In any event, each family receives prayer.
On the inside of the card, I always address each family or individual by name. Then a brief greeting or blessing is written before the cards are signed. Some years I include a photo of myself and my wife, hopeful that the picture will remind people to pray for us as well.
After the cards are all addressed and sealed, I will affix the stamps. That task done, I stack the cards up and pray over them one more time asking God to bless and strengthen those who will receive a card. I pray that Christmas will be a blessed time for them and that God will be especially close to them during this season and throughout the coming year.
When I receive cards from others, I always read each one and, if a family update is enclosed, I read that too. Sometimes, the cards I receive have photos and I treasure them and enjoy seeing the joy of the faces in the photos.
To some, the preparation and mailing of Christmas cards may seem old-fashioned, or outdated, or quaint, or even a waste of time and money. But, to me, it is a way to connect in a personal way in a very impersonal world.
It gets expensive, but it is worth the expense. These are small “gifts” and expressions of affection to the people in my life. Some who receive Christmas cards may be new friends but some cards go to people that I have known for over 50 years.
Christmas is a time for connecting and for sharing. In a very small way, I can share a part of myself and enter into the lives of those for whom I care. And that makes it all worthwhile.
[David Epps is the pastor of the Cathedral of Christ the King in Sharpsburg, GA and the bishop of the Diocese of the Mid-South.]
