Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Togetherness

There are lots of romantic Christmas songs. Many a pop artist has penned an ode to love during the holidays. Mariah Carey sang “All I want for Christmas is you.” Kelly Clarkson warbled “It just wasn’t the same / Alone on Christmas day / Presents, what a beautiful sight / Don’t mean a thing if you ain’t holding me tight / You’re all that I need / Underneath the tree.” Even rock stars get in on the act; Cheap Trick modified the lyrics of their own “I want you to want me” changing the chorus to be “Didn’t I didn’t I say I want you for Christmas.”

There’s a bunch of romantic standards too, from Earth Kitt purring “Santa Baby” to the various duets singing “Baby it’s cold outside.” (ok, that song can be a little creepy) There are even some holiday standards that have some great lines about being together with the one you love among the verses, hiding right there in plain sight. There are the pair “snuggled up together like two birds of a feather” in Sleigh Ride and in Let it Snow, the line goes “But if you'll really hold me tight, all the way home I'll be warm."

As the weather gets colder, what better way to stave off the seasonal chill than by snuggling with your spouse in a sleigh, under a blanket, or in front of a fire. Songwriters have been mining this emotional vein forever. So this December, go out of your way to carve out time in the hectic holiday hustle and bustle for some quiet time with your spouse. Hold each other. Just BE, putting aside the to do list of errands, chores, and plans just for a little while. Revel in the togetherness and closeness. Think on Solomon’s words in Ecclesiastes 4:11

If two lie down together, they will keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone?

In this season of gifts, remember the one the God has given you, the one you vowed to love and cherish as long as life shall last, the one that shares your bed. Treat each other as precious. Read the compliments Solomon and his bride give each other in the Song of Songs. To her, “His arms are rounded gold, set with jewels. His body is ivory, encrusted with sapphires. His legs are alabaster columns, set upon bases of gold.” (Song 5:14-15) To him, her “lips are like a crimson thread, her mouth is lovely. Her cheeks are like halves of a pomegranate. Her neck is like the tower of David,built in courses, hung with a thousand shields… She is altogether beautiful, without flaw.” (Song 4:3-4, 7) This is a couple that truly cherishes each other. These two rightly see each other as a blessing direct from God in their lives.

Make time during the holidays to be together. Put all else aside for a time and strive to see your spouse in this light.