No room
It is unfortunately true that Christmas is one of the busiest times of year. The cumulative effect here in Sydney has been noticeable for over a month now. Since late November finding a parking spot while doing the grocery shopping requires you to be at the shops before the bulk of the retailers are open for business.
Not to mention automated checkouts have reduced the number of cashier staff so you will be waiting in line for the checkouts at least twice as long as the same time two months ago.
The parking and traffic has become so bad that upon leaving the shops this morning police had been brought in to manage the roads around the shopping centre. Further out from shopping centres the roads are still busier than usual and I expect this will only become worse as holiday travel begins.
Cranky people
Retailers must have a love hate relationship with Christmas. Owners of retail businesses must look forward to this time.
However I can only imagine how tough a time of year this must be for retail staff! Constantly dealing with customers, already on a edge from the bustle outside must make it a very trying time. Clearly we all need to practice patience at this time of year, more than just waiting for presents.
A subtle reminder
But then, perhaps if all this hustle and bustle is for purchasing presents, is it in the Christmas spirit? Well, as with many facets of our modern experience of Christmas, we can still be reminded of Christ, born incarnate. When we see the growing crowds and diminishing space for parking perhaps we should think of Bethlehem and the Roman census.
The familiar passage in the second chapter of Luke's gospel (Luke 2:1-21) tells us that Jesus was placed in a manger because there was no room for Joseph and Mary in the inn. Perhaps the busy season isn't so far from the birth of Christ after all.
Presence of mind
With this in mind perhaps patience might be easier? But furthermore we should be aware of others who may be struggling. For as Christ actively helped people in need, we should glorify Him in this time of celebration, reflecting his loving compassion as a reminder of Him. Even more so in such a hectic time of year, we should do our best to represent the love of God to all.
Wrapping it up
The birth of Christ is such an important moment in our good news, showing that we are not forgotten, that God listens to and cares for his people. We must not forget this and we must not let this hope be lost amongst the rush and commotion.
Take this business and frustration and use it to remind yourself of how crowded Bethlehem must have been and how there was no room for a young couple and their newborn son. Make room for Christ this Christmas and accommodate those in need despite the hectic pace.
Sam Gillespie's is a postgraduate research student at the university of New South Wales.
Sam Gillespie previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/sam-gillespie.html