life is not a movie
Young people are surprised when they learn that I was born in the “pre-television” era. I remember the first day we got the big box that only showed one black and white event at a time with live commercials. O Canada was played at the end of the broadcast day followed by a test pattern with a soft but constant squeal that could be observed until the next morning.
As technology advanced, we wished we could sit and watch all the Christmas shows instead of traveling to visit relatives, but there was no way to record them.
Things are so different now. I have so many cable channels that when I go through the entire menu, I often miss the show I might have enjoyed. There are ways to record anything so you can play it back later or repeatedly, but you need to plan ahead and make sure you’ve got the setup right. Netflix not only has dozens of viewing options, but also makes suggestions based on what I’ve seen before.
So it’s December and there are unlimited seasonal options revolving around a handful of themes:
1. Spiritual: Christmas is named after the baby Christ who, according to ancient scriptures, was born in a manger because there was no room in the inn. You can watch the screen version in black and white, color or cartoons played by a wide variety of actors.
2. Musical: Choose whether you want to listen to instrumentals, choirs or soloists from the community or the professional world and/or enjoy various forms of dance.
3. Romantic: These stories often have the same template. Boy meets girl. They don’t like each other. They are forced to spend time together due to a plot twist and voila, by the end of the ninety minute production they are in love!
4. Comedy – There is no end to the amount of antics that can occur, some that are reasonable and some that are downright ridiculous.
5. Miraculous: a loved one is sick, missing, or making bad decisions. Everyone is worried, but thanks to the wonder of the season, everything goes perfectly just before the credits roll.
Life is not like the movies. Problems are not resolved in less than two hours, and no matter how much you pray for a miracle, it may not happen. Romance can happen quickly, but long-term commitment takes time and work. Musicals inspire but their memory can be fleeting. Christmas can be disappointing, lonely or stressful for many. Laughter is often missing.
There are many seasonal events and presentations available to enjoy this month. However, we must remember that as time passes, things can lose their meaning. What has endured and will continue to endure is the spiritual story that occurred over two thousand years ago to offer hope to those who hear and grasp it.
Enjoy the entertainment the world has to offer but remember to focus on the real reason for the season.
Merry Christmas to all!