Are you ready for Christmas?
The golden question everyone will ask in coming weeks. As of today, not all the presents are home, the live tree is still standing in a random field, no wrapping has occurred, and baking, well about tomorrow I will begin a Betty Crocker day!
But I have told people I am ready. I am ready to worship Jesus. I am ready to focus on the Greatest Love Story ever: God looking at His creation and authoring a way for His sinful children to return back into His presence.
I am ready to let go of this crazy schedule and ridiculous expectations and allow myself to sit in silent wonder of just how much God loves each one of us. How He treasures us. How He wants to spend time with us.
He doesn’t want us to stress about His Son’s birthday. He wants us to be joy-filled and celebratory. He wants us to be able to treasure the time off and spend it with those we love; not schedule commitments out of obligation.
He promises, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NIV) When we turn our focus to Him, we realize what is truly important and what truly needs to happen.
Are you ready for Christmas? Are you ready to worship the Creator of everything? Are you ready to enjoy this wonderful time of year and let its true meaning wash over you and bathe your soul?
I pray that in the midst of the chaos you will chisel out many quiet, beautiful moments to sit before a lit candle and read His love story. May you embrace His great love for all humanity, and for you personally. Maybe, you will even experience a Mary moment and “treasure up all these things” in your heart.
Let your soul listen to His quiet words whispered through the pages of Scripture. Allow your mind to fix on the true meaning of Christmas: God’s great love for you.
Prayer: Dear Lord, Forgive me for making Your birthday something it’s not: a time of constant chaos. Let me reclaim what it truly is: a time of celebration of God’s great love for me, for humanity, for the world. May I take the time to rest at Your feet. May I serve others joyfully, not out of obligation, but out of Your overflowing love. Thank You for the most beautiful treasure of Christmas: Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen.