I have to admit that sometimes instead of finding Christmas, I feel more like hiding from it - especially in years past. Have you read John Grisham's "Skipping Christmas" or seen "Christmas with the Kranks"? How can we escape the holiday rat race (or mouse race if you are at Karly's house) and embrace and even share the joy of the holiday season? This year, I am making most of our Christmas gifts to give to our family, so I have been able to avoid shopping stress, but in its place is a new stress. Each day, I am looking at my list and wondering if it will all get done! I feel like the days are flying off of the calendar faster than I can sew, and I am already sad that Christmas and all of the songs and decorations will soon be gone.
I grew up baptist, and I must admit that until just a few minutes ago, I didn't even know what Advent meant. I was sitting at my desk trying to decide what to write when I looked down at my "Light of Life, Advent Meditations" book written by FPC's own Miriam Rockness and Chad Reynolds. Since my computer locked up while trying to open a forwarded email, I opened the book to see what it was about. When what to my wondering eyes did appear, but the answer to my blue Christmas. "Advent means coming," and the season of Advent is designed to help prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christ's birth! This is what I want. This year, I want to really celebrate Jesus's birthday. I want to make memories with my child and husband that will last a life time, and I want to enjoy this whole entire month one day at a time. I am not sure of the logistics of it, and I am sure there will be some stress involved. I don't think even the wise men would be wise enough to avoid all holiday stress - like four family Christmases across 200 miles in less than 72 hours!?!
One tradition I hope to start (and keep) is to make a birthday cake for baby Jesus with Alex. I used to do this a long time ago, and I am really looking forward to doing this with him this year. I would also like to share with you my favorite Christmas verse:
Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be
to all people. For unto you was born this day in the city of David, a savior,
who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10 &11.
Can you hear the Charlie Brown version of O' Christmas tree playing in the background while you read it? I wish you all joy and peace on this second Monday in December. May you find some time today to just savor the season!
7 comments:
Thanks, Pam! I'm glad you got a copy of the Advent booklet. It's really a great resource!
Pam, that was such an uplifting post. I'm more excited than ever about Christmas now! I loved the Charlie Brown reference. I've finally gotten Ethan to watch it and he loves it, much to my heart's delight.
I had forgotten just how "spiritual" the Charlie Brown specials were until I saw the Thanksgiving one again this year. They are so full of love and truth--even though my little guy really just watches them to see 'Noopy, he's eventually going to get so much out of them.
Thank you Pam, for this wonderful post today. In past years I've felt like Jesus has really taken a backseat in my mind during Christmas, but this year is different--it IS Advent, and I have this peaceful, happy feeling in the midst of the usual chaos. It is certainly the most wonderful time of the year...:)
PS: I LOVE Skipping Christmas! The movie is great, too, but the book is hilarious!
Rachel, did you know when they first broadcast the Charlie Brown Christmas special the producers tried to convince Charles Schultz to cut out the Biblical references? His response was, "If we don't do it, who will?"
The getting ready is my stress. I love the time of year and how it is magical for everybody in different ways. For me, it's magical to watch my kids and provide an experience that our family will remember.
But, of course, my standards for myself are too high. So, I am always dissapointed that I can't do more. Oh well.
I did not know that, Liz. I always wondered how they did that--it's pretty rare in the modern-day Christmas special! Thanks for that tidbit--I will file it away for a conversation-starter!
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