The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see-I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is the Messiah, the Lord."
Luke 2:10-11 NRSV
How can the celebration of something as beautiful and wonderful as Jesus' birth turn into something so hectic? The stress and strain feeling like you have to have everything "just so" can snuff out the joy of the season and obscure its true meaning. If we aren't careful, our Christmas list can become just another to-do list, making the so-called "happy holidays" overwhelming and unbearable.
Often, as women, we demand to much of ourselves and tend to make things more complicated than they need to be. Christmas is really very simple-celebrating God's love for us in giving us His Son, Jesus. And celebrating our love for one another.
Instead of running around trying to create the perfect setting, why not go Christmas caroling with the kids? Do something, anything, with your family that causes you to focus on the real reason for the season. Maybe you can serve Christmas dinner at a shelter or visit shut-ins. The main thing is to enjoy God's love this Christmas season and share it with others. So what if the cookies don't look like the ones you see on the cooking channel or that you bought holiday preserves this year instead of canning them yourself. Frank McKibben said it well: "This is Christmas; not the tinsel, not the giving and receiving, not even the carols, but the humble heart that receives anew the wondrous gift, the Christ." Spread the word. (Daily Grace For Women)
Barb's Notes:
Boy doesn't this ring true? Well, at least for me it does. Often times I will catch myself saying I can't wait until Christmas is over and then I catch myself and think I have lost the true meaning of this wonderful time of the year. The stress of buying, wrapping, and shipping gifts..... buying all the fixings for Christmas dinner, making all the treats to eat, & then decorating the house. I do get overwhelmed and I have to say it does consume me thus missing and enjoying the true meaning of Christmas. That is why I love reading devotionals that pertain to this time of year because it pulls me back and gives me what I need for that moment and gives me back my focus. I love this time of year but the enemy loves it when we get off track and lose our focus. But we can beat him by listening to Christmas music and watch movies that are Christ centered and going out in our community and serving others. So make this holiday season a joyous one and stay focused the the true meaning of Christmas.
xo
barbara lynn
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