Christmas is just a week away! I love seeing all the lights and decorations as I drive through the neighborhood and around where I live. My tree is beautiful, too. It’s full of ornaments that remind me of the wonderful friends who gave them to me or where I was in my life when I bought them. Among the lights that warm the room, there’s lots of love and memories too.
I didn’t make a big choice about presents this year one way or the other. I work hard and like “treats” like everyone else, and yes there will be some gifts around the tree. I’ve just been thinking less about buying and more about giving and enjoying what I already have. I’ve been more in the moment, even though I’m busy like you are. I’ve been savoring experiences like these:
- Two days ago I got a haircut and appreciated the feeling of getting spruced up a bit 🙂
- Yesterday I had a soup and salad lunch with a colleague that’s become a friend and had a great conversation.
- After that, I had an eye doctor appointment that I booked a few days ago to get my eyes checked and care for myself.
- Last weekend, I took my dog Buddy to get his claws trimmed, then we had lunch at a park and went for a walk.
I didn’t plan to feel this way, it just happened. When I stop to think about it, I’ve actually been opening gifts all week! They just weren’t wrapped and under the tree. They were better than a “spa set” of questionable quality products from a discount store. They were meaningful personal gifts for my life that were even better.
There isn’t a smidgen of bah-humbug in this ThinkSpace! Giving gifts to those we love and watching kids tear into wrapping paper and have fun with new toys is one of life’s joys. It’s part of why we work so hard. Life certainly isn’t all about paying the bills. We need to enjoy the fruit of our labors too. We give gifts to those we love and those who need them because we love them!
But let’s not fill this week ahead with spinning around and pressure to do “all the things.” If we do, it will be over before we know it and we’ll miss the meaning of what Christmas is really about. Isaiah 9:6 (NIV) says it’s this:
“For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Yes, Jesus was miraculously born as a baby, but don’t miss the words that say He was also a Son that was given to us. Given by God the Father. He was both God and man. That’s the true reason we celebrate! It’s Christmas, not Xmas. The Holy Bible says that Jesus paid the price for my sins and your sins so that we can be forgiven and have eternal life if we believe by faith and receive His gift. You can learn more on this page: How to Become a Christian
Speaking of gifts, you probably remember that the wise men brought three gifts to young Jesus. They weren’t a toy, a bike, and a new pair of pajamas. They brought Him gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Strange gifts for a little boy, but He was the Messiah and fulfilled all the prophecies the prophets had foretold about Him hundreds, even thousands of years before His birth. Each unique gift had a far deeper meaning:
- Gold signified royalty. He was (and is) the King of kings
- Frankincense was an incense used in worship, representing His divinity and priesthood
- Myrrh was used in embalming oil, foreshadowing His suffering, death, and resurrection
Take time this week to read the Christmas story yourself (better yet, with your family) in the Gospel of Matthew chapters 1 and 2, or Luke chapters 1 and 2.
So let’s be more aware this week before Christmas. Let’s simmer down and recognize all the ways we’ve been blessed by the Lord from big to small to everything in between. Pour some extra love into what you’re cooking – for others or for yourself. Go to church, not out of obligation, but with an open heart to listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to you. Open your eyes to see the blessings all around you that don’t come in a box with a bow.
RESET HIGHER: What simple, sweet moments can you find or create this Christmas? Maybe pour yourself a cup of tea or hot chocolate and choose to set aside some quiet, peaceful time. Read the Christmas story in the Bible, pray, be thankful to God for what’s most important and for His faithfulness to you. It will bring your heart deep comfort – and joy!
