You would think by now we all would have learned that Christmas comes at the same time each year. Yet somehow in a blink – Halloween takes a flying leap over Thanksgiving and we are suddenly in a shopping/baking/wrapping frenzy, trying to “get it all done” before Christmas arrives.
I made a promise to myself that this year I would not become that crazy woman who overworks myself mentally or physically trying to create the perfect Christmas for the family. Norman Rockwell and the Hallmark Channel have long deceived us in to thinking that perfection is the end goal for the Christmas season. The reality is that any Christmas plans that do not include celebrating the birth of Christ should be perceived as inadequate and incomplete.
Jesus is the entire reason for the season.
God gave us the most spectacular gift two thousand years ago in a perfectly wrapped bundle in a stable manger. When God sent his one and only son to earth disguised as a tiny baby, he knew that not everyone would appreciate his gift. Many choose to reject the gift of Christ altogether. Many prefer to hide the gift away, refusing to acknowledge the importance of the gift. Many are content to dust off the gift and trot it to church once or twice a year.
I’ve not always been the best about making Jesus the center of my family’s Christmas celebrations. With children and grandchildren, I am guilty of focusing on the presents rather than the presence of Christ in our home.
This year I decided to wrap the holidays up in one tidy package and regift the gift that keeps on giving. I want to give the gift of Jesus to everyone on my list. In fact, I’d like to give the gift of Jesus to everyone I meet during this hectic fast-paced season. It’s over so quickly and what is left except a recycle bin full of bags, bows and wrapping paper? But not so when giving the gift of Christ. This is a gift with eternal possibilities.
I’m scaling down the baking, the buying and gift-giving. I am determined to enjoy the simplicity of being with family and sharing the love of Christ. I am convinced that “just being” will be far greater than “the stuff.”
Merry Christmas to one and all! I encourage everyone to regift Jesus this year!
Blessings in Christ, Kathy K.
Yes Kathy! It’s His presence that makes the difference. Thank you for renewed perspective on what is important. Love you!