I’m caught up in the middle of the hubbub. I’m shopping and frantically looking for the perfect gift for the people I love. I want them to have that WOW moment when they open the package and love what I got them. I don’t want to get my nephew socks and underwear. I want him to think I’m the coolest aunt in the world.
I feel guilty that I haven’t made any effort to bake cookies or start my Christmas cards. I know I won’t be sending cards back to all of the people who sent cards to me. I want to make handmade heartfelt gifts that come from my heart but won’t be tossed into the Goodwill bag by New Year’s Day. I want to try a new recipe for the big dinner but I don’t want it to flop either.
I stay up late and get up early to cram it all in and make everything perfect, all the while I tell everybody else that they need to slow down and not sweat the small stuff and keep the important things in focus. Like all the cliches tell us – what is the reason for the season…well I know the answer and still I get caught up in the commotion of Christmas. But these are some of the sweetest memories and the finest moments spent with those I care the most about. So I guess I want my cake and d to eat it too.
These are just my confessions about the realities of Christmas. But here is a wish from my heart for each of you – may you seek the baby born in the manger and when you find Him, may you give Him all that you treasure here on earth. May you surrender your whole life into His faithful care and find in His birth the promise of redemption and restoration from every foul deed you have ever done. The hope of all rests in the true meaning of why we celebrate this Christmas holiday. Keep Christ in Christmas and discover real joy. Here’s a poem I wrote for this happy occasion:
Tiny baby born today – Cradle bed a trough of hay – Creatures worship, bowing low – Shepherds come with sheep in tow – Angel heralds join to sing – Advent of this humble king – Hope swells in the heart of man – Glimpses of redemption’s plan – God incarnate, now to dwell – Here on earth – Immanuel – Tiny baby born to die – Ransom paid for you and I – Savior child how can it be? – Gift of grace that set me free!
Have a Merry Christmas and may God Bless You!