The ying and the yang of Christmas

I've been thinking about this time and the emotions and the happenings that lead us up to Christmas.
It makes me think there's a lot of ying and yang at this time.  For instance:

Busy loud malls and bell ringers vs. the quiet of a "silent night".

Giving gifts to others vs. the true gift given to us.

People traveling vs. enjoying time at home Christmas morning.

Feeling rushed and upset with humanity vs. a bond of joy with each other for grace-given love.

Anticipation vs. wanting to be still and "savor" the special moment.

Expectations vs. pleasant surprises.

Simple words vs. unexplainable events.


I am sure you can add some too.  I think it's what can make Christmas such a hard time for people.  There is this ying and a yang thing happening.  It's hard to understand.  Sometimes we try to feel everything, and in doing so sometimes we just try to hard!   So, we relax. Try not to stress - to let it happen - to "get" the whole picture.  Rush -but be still.  Sing - but be quiet.

Christmas is about a baby being born in a back yard, in an out of the way barn.  Centuries ago.   Not in a modern hospital by special medical means.  A baby born of a very young, niave mother with no power or money.  Not the royal offspring of a well-to-do leader.  A baby "given" to us, but not because we wanted him BUT because we needed him.  A baby.  Tiny.  Normal to the eye.  But a one-time-only special son of God.  A part of God.  Actually God.  

A normal baby vs. God on earth.