Reflections on Christmas

As I write today, I am realizing that one week from now I will be getting ready for our first of two Christmas Eve services. Boy, did this month fly by! It seems like it was just yesterday that we were decorating the sanctuary and finishing up our Thanksgiving turkey! Time goes faster every year. However, this year Advent seems to have moved at break neck speed. Just once, I would love time to slow down a bit so I can fully enjoy each moment!

When I was a child, it seemed like it took forever for Christmas to arrive. I couldn't wait for family to get together on Christmas Eve and for Christmas morning to arrive so I could open my gifts. Now, I find myself begging for just one more day to finish all the things I need to do before Christas Eve is upon us. Boy, what I would not give to be a child again and have all the time in the world to enjoy each day and bask in every moment of the Christmas season! It's funny how your perspective changes over a lifetime. 

As I typed that last sentence I felt a little nudge and a Word form God. God said, "It's not too late.” I have one more week before Christmas Eve. I have worked really hard (all of us have) to prepare everything for Christmas Eve and manage all the other events we have hosted or taken part in this last month. I think it's time to slow down a bit, be present with God and the people I love and just soak it all in! I actually started doing this on Monday. I took the day off, got my hair done, went out to lunch and then came home and made Christmas cookies - that is, until the glass shattered on my oven door… but, that's a story for another day! In order to slow down a bit this last week before Christmas and remember what this season is really all about, I have had to say “no" sometimes, create some boundaries and ask for help! Because, I can't do it all. And neither can you. We need to remind each other of that fact quite often!

So, how will you slow down this week? To what requests will you say “no?" What boundaries will you set? Who will you ask for help? And what thing will you take time to do that brings you joy and reminds you that Jesus is the Reason for this Season? Whatever you decide to do, I hope and pray that you will experience this coming week through the eyes of a child and with the heart of a person a peace!

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:16-19)

Grace and Pace

-Pastor Madeline