Christmas is a day we seem to count down to once it's over. Tomorrow my kids will start at 364, quickly move on, and we'll start the countdown again sometime after Thanksgiving. It's a day we come to with excitement and anticipation, and then like all other days it's gone.
This year has felt different for many of us I think. I believe it was supposed to. Our calendars weren't filled with school performances and parties. We didn't do cookie swaps, nor did we see as many faces as we would have liked.
I know God has been working and using this year. I know He works all things for the good and I believe there's been a lot of good that has come from slowing down. We don't get the excuse of "no time" or "too busy." Most of us can't say that this year.
I've said it for awhile now and I stand by it; we don't have to love what's going on outside the walls of our home, but we get to love what goes on inside them.
My kids are still little enough. We don't have hormonal angst yet and I'm relishing these little years. We've enjoyed slowing down and actually getting through an Advent book this year. We can't recommend this one enough. I may have cried several times while reading it, especially last night and today.
Christmas is a day we pause and reflect on what really matters. As Christians I think of John 3:16- "For God so loved the world that He gave His only son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This year, God keeps reminding me of His light and the hope we have in Jesus. All the unclear fuzzy darkness outside our walls does not overcome him. John 1:4-5 "In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."
Take heart friends. This is Christmas. Our hope isn't found in the turning of a calendar page but in the hope and light and truth of Christ. Lord knows the world is aching for His truth, searching for light, and desperate for hope. It's only found in Him.
Jesus said, "Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest." This verse was on my wall in high school. I get anxiety and trying to get things just right. Let your heart stop striving, come to the stable, humble yourself before the King. This is Christmas.
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6
Wishing you a Merry Christmas. Wishing you that hope and peace too.