Christmas is closing in, it is almost here. It’s funny how it seems to just suddenly appear no matter how much preparation you’ve done. There is so much to do in this season that you get kind of busy. In our house, there are two December birthdays (Sarah’s is today), so we have to celebrate those first before we turn our complete attention to Christmas. Before you know it, Christmas isn’t just coming, it’s here!
This may seem obvious, but don’t forget to enjoy Christmas. These last few days can be crazy with all the last minute preparations to be done and we so look forward to a picturesque Christmas that is “just so.” In all of this we forget to celebrate the moment. Mary and Martha entertained Jesus at their home in Luke 10, Martha is so worried about the house being clean and the food being ready and all the preparations to be done that she hardly even noticed that Jesus was there. The only interaction recorded between Martha and Jesus is Martha complaining that Mary wasn’t helping out enough. How’s that for welcoming the Savior!
Mary was focused on the moment, the encounter with Jesus. The meal could be late, overcooked, or even missing some courses. The perfect Christmas for her was that Jesus was there. I hope that is your definition too. Suppose your son or daughter opens up in a rare moment of sharing with you, or you see in eyes of your parents a joy that is normally not there, or your just having so much fun you can’t stop laughing — do you really think perfectly cooked potato casserole should take precedence?
The point is this: celebrate this Christmas in the moment. Let go what lies behind and don’t worry what December 26th may hold. Be present this Christmas with the ones you love — that’s the best “present” you can give.
Posted on December 21, 2011
0