How are you approaching Christmas? With anticipation? With dread? The shopping, gift and card lists, wrapping, baking, parties, church events, school plays, etc... can make the season quite overwhelming, crowding out the joy.
So how do we stay focused on the real Gift of Christmas?
I love it all, but I've also learned through the years to keep it all in perspective. Jesus' birthday can be an elaborate celebration with many people by your side, or a simple laid back day of rejoicing with one or two around the tree. As long as the focus is the birth of Christ, being overwhelmed with the stuff of Christmas will be trumped by the Savior of Christmas.
Here are a few ideas to help us stay focused:
Every gift wrapped represents God's Gift wrapped in swaddling clothes - His Son.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:6-7)
Every song resounds the Heavenly host announcing the Savior's birth.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace good will toward men." (Luke 2: 13-14)
Every light represents heaven and earth celebrating the long-awaited Savior,
the Light of the world.
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12 NIV)
Every person in our path represents a soul who needs a Savior.
But the angel said to them, "Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy,
which shall be to all people." (Luke 2:10)
Every cake baked represents the goodness of our great God.
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. (Psalm 34:8 NIV)
God gives us grace to experience His Gift in each and every moment all through the year.
Let's make the most of this sacred season by weaving His Story into everything we do, allowing Christmas to come alive with wonder, comfort and joy.
My Pleasure,
Melanie
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