It is already that time of year! I can hardly believe how quickly this year has went by. It seems unreal when I really think about it! It is what it is though. We have entered the month of December. It is Christmas time whether I am ready or not. Stockings are hung on the mantle! The tree is up and all the lights work. Hallelujah! I have already received two Christmas cards. Two out of the three kids have already had their picture taken with Santa. They have made their Christmas list. Gifts are ordered. They are not wrapped. I will get to that at some point. We are in holiday mode, I guess. It just seems like each year gets busier and busier and it gets harder to enjoy. It feels like Christmas sneaks up on me. My lists of to-do's are longer than normal. My calendar makes me want to cry. There is some stress that comes along with the Christmas season because of all the holiday activities. More activities to do. More places to go. More money to spend. School performances, holiday parties, shopping, and parades are just a few examples of what we plan to enjoy this holiday season. I love participating in these events. I enjoy greeting, gathering with family and friends! I am just so busy during this Christmas season. Christmas demands more of me. I have been transparent earlier about the stress of the busyness that life can bring to me. If I am not careful, all the hustle and bustle of the season will get to me! I have to make myself slow down to actually enjoy it! While we were decorating our home a few days ago, I sat down by my girl on the couch to take a break. I was tired of all the Christmas decorating! She was admiring the clear manger scene that one of my students had given me last Christmas. She would hit the button, it would light up and different songs would play. She continued to do this over and over. She was mesmerized! I could see it in her eyes. I could see it in her facial expression. She was reflecting on the manger in her own little way. I snapped this picture and it quickly reminded me of the innocence of a child. When you are a child, you love Christmas. You are so excited about the holidays and all the different activities that it brings. You get more! However, as an adult, you think that you have to give more! In this moment, my child innocently reminded me to think about the manger this Christmas. Jesus is the reason for the season! We say it, celebrate it, but do we really imitate the true meaning of Christmas? Do we really reflect on the reason why Christ came?
Isaiah 9:6 King James Version (KJV)
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
He came so that he could relate to us. He came so we would have hope in this life!
He is God with us!
Matthew 1:23 King James Version (KJV)
23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
He wrapped himself in flesh and lived on this Earth so that he could feel what we feel. He came so that he could see what we see. He came so that he could hear what we hear. He was tempted, judged, mocked, doubted, and beaten. He was sad and angry at times. He experienced and endured life. He relates to us. He understands how it feels to be in a storm. He was God yet, he was human without sin. He came for us! He came to be the light of the world. He came to give hope. He came so he could be MORE to us! He came to give us MORE! He is wonderful! He is the counselor! He is the mighty God and the everlasting Father! He is the prince of peace. He gives peace that passes all understanding. These are some of the best gifts that this life could offer! We are foolish if we bypass these gifts this holiday season.
Philippians 4:7 King James Version (KJV)
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Jesus is MORE! He is the reason for the season. He is what we need! It is not all the gifts under the tree. It is not in all the holiday activities, no matter how fun they may be. It is not in the gathering of friends and family. Friends and family are a blessing but, it is about him! It is about what he did for us! He gave the ultimate gift. He came so that we could have life and have it MORE abundantly!
John 10:10 King James Version (KJV)
10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Allow MORE Christ in your life this Christmas. Let the Lord bless you. Give him permission to be your comfort during this season of life you are enduring. Let him bring peace that passes all understanding to situations and circumstances. Let him counsel you and give you direction for the new year over your hearts and homes. Let him wipe your tears. Let him carry you! Rest in him this Christmas. He is mighty! He holds all power. He created the Earth. He created you and me! He makes a way out of no way! He brings light to darkness. He gives hope to the hopeless and he is a Father to the fatherless. There are no orphans of God! He sees every tear that is shed. He hears every cry. He understands how tired we are! He reminds us to not grow weary in well doing. He knows the intent of our hearts. He is mindful of the sacrifices that have been put forth. He extends grace because his grace is sufficient! His mercies are new every morning. We receive a gift each day that we awaken. It is the gift of life! Let him be MORE to you, not only this Christmas, but each day of the year! Count your blessings! Enjoy the blessings that He has given this year!
Prayer:
Thank you for your many blessings! You are such an awesome God. Thank you Lord for coming to this Earth. Thank you for wrapping yourself in flesh and living among us. Thank you for being such a relatable God! Lord, let there be MORE of you in our lives this Christmas. Help us to give you permission to have your way in our lives. Guide us into the new year. Comfort those that need to be comforted during the holidays. Heal those that need healing this Christmas. Bring comfort and joy this holiday season! Be the mighty God, the counselor, the everlasting Father in our lives. Give peace that passes all understanding! Help us to remember the true reason of the season. Help us to honor you this Christmas. Help us to not get caught up in all the hustle and bustle of the season. Help us to not only give gifts this holiday, but to give love, mercy, and forgiveness each day. Help us to smile and extend grace! Remind us of why you came! Help us to share the good news with others. Help us to be the example of the true reason for the season this Christmas. Show us your glory this holiday season. Let There Be More of you and less of me this Christmas! In Jesus Name!
If we keep Christ in our hearts, Christmas has no end. - Comfortingquotes.com
I always feel like it’s just me. I miss the special reverence of Christmas I loved as a child.