It's Christmastime. The day after Thanksgiving sales have come and gone. We are well into the season and as it appears we only have approximately 16 shopping days left. I recently heard a bunch of people grumbling about how a certain radio station had the nerve to start playing 'Christmas' music in the beginning of November and that just really stressed them out. I heard another group of people grumbling about how they rush from one event to another between Thanksgiving and Christmas and then it's all over and they realize that they didn't even have a chance to enjoy the season.
As I was thinking about that conversation, I began to wonder why do we let Christmas music stress us out. And why do we agree to all these wonderful Christmas plays, parties and family gatherings but deny ourselves a few moments to stop and look around us, taking a few deep breaths to smell the Christmas in the air.
Why don't you stop for a moment, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.
Do you smell the newly baked sugar cookies, or the pine scented aroma from a wreath or a real live tree? Do you smell the cold crisp air as it hits your lungs as you go outside? Do you smell the deliciously hot cocoa that has the marshmallows which have slightly melted and are waiting there on the top of your mug for just one sip?
What do you see?
Do you see the sun reflecting off the newly fallen white snow? Do you see the red bows and the lights that are displayed from house to house? Do you see the light of the season coming through the eyes of your children? Do you see the excitement building as they anticipate the 'big' day?
I encourage you to take another deep breath and remember that Christmas is really about love. The love in our hearts, the love we give to others and the love God has for us. Despite trying to get all the gifts we have on our lists this year, I want to remember that God gave me and you a very, very precious gift. Our Saviour.
That is the most important gift I want to share with all of you. This year, I pray that your holiday season is filled with lots and lots of love. That in the midst of all the activities, that the love that God has for you and the love that He has placed in your hearts will shine forth in all that you do and say. May this Christmas be full of His peace, His love and His Light!
1 comment:
Amen.
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