The first Christmas. Most of us have sentimental images of that glorious night. Lets face it, from the time we first started to realize what Christmas was really about, we have been exposed to thousands of images of that picturesque scene over 2,000 years ago—peaceful animals, a sweetly smiling baby, a brilliant star in the sky, and an angelic choir. To see what I mean, just check out the Christmas card aisle the next time you go shopping. The religious cards all portray safe and serene settings right out of a picture book. I have even seen images where the animals are actually smiling.

But the Gospels tell another story. A frightened young mother-to-be and her husband must make a grueling trip to register for a tyrant’s taxation scheme. Under the judgmental gaze of soldiers and friends, the couple arrives in Bethlehem. Unable to find a safe or comfortable place to give birth, Jesus is born in a barn-like shelter, probably a cave, surrounded by the smell of animals and animal dung. His crib is a food trough and his diapers are rags. The people who come to celebrate his birth were simple shepherds, in ancient times considered dishonest, dirty and smelly—not the image we are used to seeing. But when pictures are touched up, the truth is sometimes lost.

Now, fast-forward to our modern Christmas. We all get caught up in the pageantry of the season with brightly decorated homes, sparkling trees, Christmas carols, gifts piled high and stockings hung from the chimney with care. The works! We all love it. I love it. But keep in mind that to many of the less fortunate among us, Christmas only means a special meal at the homeless shelter or maybe a new coat from the used clothing bin. Their picture of the holidays and our picture are not even close.

While the truth is not always pleasant, it can indeed set you free. So this year, enjoy all the special trimmings that go with the Christmas season. I certainly will. But also open your eyes just wide enough to see past the blinking lights and to the needy among us. Imagine a world where no one has to be hungry during the holidays. What a Picture Perfect Christmas that would be!