We’ll never be perfect, but we can honor the One who is and always will be."
“In our world too, a stable once had something inside it that was bigger than our whole world.”- C.S. Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia
As I type this, my legs aren’t shaved. I haven’t a stitch of makeup on my face and just got back from walking the park, so I smell like the great outdoors.
The floor hasn’t been swept and the trash can needs to be brought in from the street. I have a pile of Christmas wrapping materials scattered across a table. There’s a laundry basked filled with clothes that need to be put in drawers, and the dishes “wait” to be washed.
I tried to work ahead of schedule, so I ordered some gifts to be shipped. Due to delays in processing, they have arrived later than expected. The intended recipients are “out of pocket” until next month. Oops.
My favorite holiday candle now contains less wax due to an unexpected tip of the container. Precious minutes of limited time were spent cleaning spruce scented residue from my glass tabletop. I can’t bring in a tree, because my pet will destroy it. I don’t know where half of my holiday clothes are at the moment and still haven’t had a chance to send out cards.
Sounds lovely, doesn’t it?
Even though some aspects of this holiday are off to a rocky start, I am determined to have a great Christmas! A few days ago, I decided that my idea of a perfect holiday season is a joyful one. I can spend time with Him in prayer. I can list blessing after blessing of this past year. I can visit family and friends. I am finding contentment in the chaos.
Sure, I want every decoration set in place. I want to purchase all of my favorite snacks and cook all of the traditional meals. I want a good hair day for pictures and to look amazing in photos like I have it all together, but the truth is, I just don’t. And I’m okay with that.
The point of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of the Savior. His birth is a fulfillment of prophecy. He’s God’s greatest gift and the Light of the World. I love the scripture reference in Galatians 4:4-5 ESV: “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” He came to save, love, and redeem. I am a child of God. I’m forever in awe.
To the one whom may be aggravated or in a season of “what craziness is next?” … I dare you to take a moment to sit in silence and reflect on how much God loves you. Take a break in the hustle and bustle of online Christmas shopping to sing a song of praise. As you reach for the remote to watch another holiday romance movie, lay it aside and pick up your Bible to read the Nativity story. While you fix your earbuds in your ear as you prepare for your morning run, flip the podcast episode over to a Christmas message.
We’ll never be perfect, but we can honor the One who is and always will be. Don’t let strife steal your peace. Live the holiday festivities one day at a time. Pause when you’re “at your wits’ end”, and think about the true reason for caroling, church cantatas, and gift giving. Laugh daily. Thank Him for who He is and what He has done for us all. Be cheerful in knowing that He is coming again.
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Well said, thanks for the post!