Several years ago I had the privilege of co-directing a church musical called Getting Ready for the Miracle. It is about a girl named Mary who was born on Christmas Day. She doesn't appreciate Christmas shadowing her birthday resulting in a lack of presents. In the end Mary realizes the true meaning of Christmas is not about getting lots of gifts, but about receiving Jesus, God's gift to us.
Is it really so simple? Could we actually put aside the commercialized view of the holiday and just celebrate Jesus? And what does celebrating Jesus look like?
Is it getting together with family and friends, laughing, feasting, and making memories? What about caroling, gift exchanges and traditions passed down from the generations? Those are wonderful things (traditions make my heart sing) but I'm feeling more and more like we are missing the point.
When I hear how many millions of dollars are spent at departments stores each Christmas while there are children starving and dying from preventable diseases and so many others in need, I am grieved. How must Jesus feel? We are honoring HIS birthday. Shouldn't we spend our time and money on things He desires?
How am I spending my time getting ready for the miracle of Christmas? Am I spending my days lost in the hustle and bustle of shopping and preparing for my parties? Shouldn't I spend more time preparing my heart for Him?
As I rocked my littlest to sleep today, I got emotional (my new middle name) thinking about how Mary must have felt that very first Christmas Day holding her precious Babe. What did she do to prepare for His coming? How did she feel giving birth in a lowly stable? Did she realize the beloved Baby she was holding would be a sacrifice for all people...including her?
As you go about this magical season anticipating the excitement of Christmas morn, be sure to remember the reason we celebrate. Rejoice in knowing that God gave us His only Son, born as a baby, so that we may have eternal life! Never has there been such a gift of love so amazing!
Merry Christmas, my friends! May God bless you with love, fill your hearts with joy and give you true peace!
2 comments:
Good reminders! It's so easy for all the things we love about Christmas, good things, to overshadow Jesus. What a challenge to keep the baby in the manger in the spotlight, not just in our hearts, but in our actions as well.
Love the picture of sweet, sleeping Faith. I just want to kiss her little bottom lip. But I'm sure you would strangle me for waking her up, so I'll resist.
Thank you for sharing these thoughts, Jamie. Merry Christmas to you all! I commented on your comment on my blog....Thanks for getting in touch!
-Olivia
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