I spent several weary hours shopping today - not even for Christmas presents, just for Christmas Dresses! One of my daughters won't even wear dresses and yet I trekked through the mall looking for one she would like. (And she didn't like it!) And did you know it is only two weeks until Christmas? Have you baked, sent cards, decorated the house (inside and out), bought and wrapped gifts, gone to all the parties and church events you could possibly cram into your schedule? I have found myself wrapped up in those feelings - how am I going to get it all done, I HAVE to get it all done! And then . . .
My Grandpa had a stroke, my friend emailed about the pain of their special needs child and how it is impacting their family, I learned that another friend had been in a terrible car accident on her way to the hospital to be induced and some other daunting news in our lives has all made me realize that none of that other stuff matters! It's not that Christmas doesn't matter - without Christmas we would be void of hope! But when Jesus came to earth it was the beginning of hope, the beginning of his plan to bring salvation to us. The hope of eternal life.
So, it's not that I'm going to avoid celebrating Christmas - in fact all this makes me want to make it the biggest celebration ever. But not with decorations, presents and activity but with rejoicing over God's plan for hope in our lives. Without it, there would be no reason to celebrate. Even if there was a big diamond ring under the tree for me (and Mike has assured me every time we see a Kay Jewelers commercial that there isn't), what would it mean without the hope of Jesus Christ?
So remember with me as we prepare our homes and families for this great time of joy and celebration the things in our lives that remind us of our need for Christ's hope. And even if you feel like there is no reason to celebrate given the circumstances you are facing, do we need any other reason besides Jesus? Silly question!
Colossians 1:27
"To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."
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2 comments:
Why does Jenna HAVE to wear a dress? I bet they make some cute holiday track pants!
She doesn't HAVE to wear a dress. I try not to force her to be someone she's not but I did want her to wear something a little nicer. I would have been trhilled with her brown pants and a sweater. But she happily chose the purple velvet dress when she found out she didn't have to carry the purse that came with it. She also liked the shimmery tights so I gave her some medicine and sent her straight to bed - she's obviously not feeling well!
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