Instead of beginning, though, I just want to sit by the fire and knit or read and sip a hot beverage! A snow-covered neighborhood always helps me align my priorities!--Just give me a good book, The Good Book, a cozy afghan, a warm fire, a mug of coffee or hot tea and I'm satisfied until the next thaw!
As Christmas quickly approaches, it feels good to think that our family will be together! The laughter, the tears (there's always tears with a two year old in the mix), the hilarious and serious conversations that will inevitably fill our home--the food and the presents, the lights and the music--there will be music and dancing! It's going to be so much fun! I can get so caught up in all the preparations, though, and lose sight of why we celebrate... Why are we doing all this?
Somehow, I do not think this is what God had in mind when He sent His only Son, Jesus! I think it makes God smile, however, when families enjoy being together! It is hard to think of Jesus in everything we DO to celebrate His birth... all the traditions, all the demands on our time, all the preparations. Is HE really in all that?
Of course, my hope would be that He permeates every 'little' thing we do... but I do not want to kid myself. The truth is, we DO a lot of those things to please others, or some crazy expectation we've placed on ourselves to have the 'perfect holiday'! (my mom has a sign in her kitchen that I LOVE--it says: "OK, So, I'm not Martha Stewart--Adjust!" Go mom...I'm NOT EITHER!!!) Over the years, I've cut out considerably the things I just "HAD" to do! And, I'm thankful to continue to 'do' other things forever!
And so, without sounding cynical or condescending, I would urge you to slow down, enjoy the moment and praise God. The GOD of the Universe, who knew us in our greatest need, and met us there.
Remember, we needed a Saviour, and that's exactly what He sent us so many many years ago in His perfect Son, Jesus Christ.
Praise His Name Forever! Emmanuel, God with Us!
1 comment:
Go Martha (I mean Marsha) :D
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