“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the Light of all mankind.
The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” ~John 1:1-4, 14
“O the beautiful old story!
Of the little child that lay
In a manger on that morning,
When the stars sang in the day;
When the happy shepherds kneeling,
As before a holy shrine,
Bless’d God and the tender mother
For a life that was divine.”
Louisa May Alcott
It’s that time of year again! CELEBRATION time, as we anticipate the anniversary of Jesus Christ’s birth. The glorious Word of God, the Beloved one and only Son ~ God’s companion at the creation of the universe! He came to earth as a tiny baby, born into a family of humble means. A paradox, a contradiction. A mystery as great as any the mind of God could create. A miracle beyond any that we, as humble sinners, could ever have deserved. And yet He came ~ the greatest single event in human history, wrapped up in fragile flesh ~ miracle of the ages.
Ah, Christmas!
Glorious sights and sounds fill the air and thrill our hearts. Scheduling parties and family gatherings. Shopping, cooking, baking, decorating. The hustle and bustle, the rushing to prepare for CHRISTmas…It’s my favorite time of the year.
But will it be possible to find that perfect gift? Well, maybe not. Still trying to get that CHRISTmas list from the kiddos in order to shop…Maybe gift cards? That reminds me, sure would like to send out cards this year, or even a CHRISTmas letter like my girlfriend, who writes an original poem for CHRISTmas every year..What am I saying, that’s not gonna happen!!
Trying to find out who will be here for the family gathering, and who won’t. That determines what gifts to buy…Still trying to finally decorate that mantle so that it looks presentable (a nearly unattainable goal for me)… Still hoping plans can be coordinated among the family members, when communicating is limited by time and distance. Started early on preparations so that I wouldn’t get behind, and yet….
Oh yes, and then there are the December birthdays. Can’t forget any of them..And can’t forget to send candy and cookies to my two college boys ~ that’s gotta be done this week!
My oh my! It’s no wonder that a migraine headache seized me yesterday and drove me to my dark bedroom! That’s not what CHRISTmas is supposed to be about!
The holiday season is a stressful one.
This is also an emotionally painful time of the year for many. Grieving painful experiences, especially family pain ~ all are amplified by the holidays ~ when it seems as though only good cheer, peace, and joy should prevail. Our brokenness is often amplified by the sounds of the season! We may mourn better times, losses of loved ones, jobs, good health ~ and sigh. Such feelings often creep into our hearts and deprive us of the happiness we seek.
Spending time with family to celebrate the anniversary of our Lord’s birth should be a joyous experience. And yet family members often don’t show up for celebrations. There may be a power failure. The broccoli casserole is dropped on the kitchen floor, shattering my favorite casserole dish and depriving us of cheesy deliciousness. My special candy turns out sticky and ugly, and I have to decide whether it’s even presentable enough to serve. The children are tired and unhappy ~ with good reason ~ they’re weary from traveling and sleeping in someone else’s bed. The grown-ups are stressed and worn out. Somebody has a cold.
This is often the more accurate description of the holiday scene. And the truth is that, looking back over the years, we’ve learned that this is really what family is about anyway. And of such are sweet memories made. We’ve all supported each other through the good and the bad times, and if things go wrong, so what? We’re family and we cherish this time together. Everyone eats, laughs, shares the latest news. We take turns napping, helping in the kitchen, and whatever the day brings, it’ll be memorable. Everyone spends time playing with the little ones. Love is in the air.
Regardless of the challenges, I’m looking forward to our family time together, because those moments together will be precious and memorable… God made us family for a reason ~ He knew we all would face challenges in families, and He designed us with a powerful love for one another that overlooks any flaws or problems at the end of the day. He showed us this kind of indescribable love when He sent His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to earth as a man. And He alone was perfect, reminding us that we can never be. He helps me to remember this when my casserole is ruined or the power goes out….I simply fall on my face before Him, seeking His strength, His grace.
Is the CHRISTmas season too stressful for you? Here are some helpful tips that I’ve garnered for myself ~ someone who humbly acknowledges that CHRISTmas preparation has overwhelmed me…
1.Take time to refresh yourself spiritually through reading the Word of God and through prayer.
2.Lean on God to strengthen, to heal, to guide through this experience. Family relationships can be challenging at times, but God has a purpose for every circumstance. His perfect plan is for families to live in harmony; pray for just such an outcome!
3.Focus on what really matters: The anniversary of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Make your Christmas celebration all about Him and draw closer to Him as you contemplate His incredibly humble birth ~His entrance into this world as a Man.
4.Soak up as much worship time and fellowship with other believers as possible. And find ways to serve during this season.
5.Be flexible with your family, in terms of scheduling and planning. Be sensitive to the needs of those around you.
6. Start early. Plan, shop, decorate. Scale down if you can!
7.Be aware of your physical needs and DON’T overdo it.
I pray that this season will saturate your heart and life with the magnificent JOY of Christ’s birth,
And that He will be your all, your everything, as you move forward day by day.
Now and in the coming year. Amen.
Becky, this is so beautiful and warmed my heart and soul! The greatest gift is our Saviour’s love, mercy & grace! Although we do praise and worship him throughout the year, this is a wonderful time of year! A beautiful avenue to express our gratitude, which you have done so gracefully! Appreciate the helpful tips!
Your prayer is genuine and heartfelt and I as your friend and sister in Christ, thank you! Thank you for your Love of our Lord and your dedication in sharing His love through your encouraging words. God bless you richly my friend and God bless you and your loved ones! xx
Thank you, Kathy! I appreciate your friendship and am honored that you read my blog. You’re a very special gift to me, and I pray that you will have a blessed Christmas season with your family. Love you much!!
Becky I am sorry for your pain. However it has driven you to write. This Is a real blessing. Save these thoughts. They may be the beginning of a book. Love you. God’s richest blessings to you and to your family. Jim
Love you and Joy so much, Jim. Thank you for reading my post…Many blessings to you and your family at Christmas!
Becky! perfect description of the paradox of CHRISTmas- I love “Regardless of the challenges, I’m looking forward to our family time together, because those moments together will be precious and memorable… God made us family for a reason “…. oh the beautiful lessons we learn in life- and the best present of all is His presence! May the Lord bless your family and you as you walk in His ways! hugs and Merry CHRISTmas!
Thank you for reading this! May He be near to your precious family during this season, Cindy! He is the BEST PRESENT of all!! Love you dear.