This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:12
Christmas is almost over. We scoured the malls for the perfect gifts. Stood in the freezing weather to sing carols. We went to the Christmas parties; stayed up late wrapping gifts that will be unwrapped way quicker than they were wrapped. We planned and cooked a dinner. We have eaten way more than any one person ought to eat; yet, when dessert is brought out we quickly partake. We have visited with family. If you're like me, these are the things we think of when we think about Christmas. This year God has challenged me to reevaluate my ideas about Christmas. We all have heard the phrase, "Jesus is the reason for the season". Yet, it's easy to get sidetracked. To lose sight of the stable in search of a perfect Christmas. So this year God challenged me to stop trying to make Christmas perfect and let each Christmas be unique. This year we did not have as much to spend as other years; not everyone was home. Yet, in spite of this, I feel more content than I have other years. I decided to use this year as a year to focus on the stable. Gifts are great! I love giving and getting gifts, but gifts do not make or break Christmas. If they did, this year would be a bust! Carols and lights are wonderful too, and they have been spectacular this year, but Christmas would still be Christmas even without light, carols or food and parties. Fact is Christmas doesn't depend on any of those things. It doesn't even depend on family and who is around you. If we really believe that Christmas is to celebrate Jesus birth, then all of our celebrating should be the result of that, and whether we have a lot or a little will not matter. Nor will it matter who is celebrating with us because the main thing is the baby in a manger. When we remember that, we can stop trying to create a perfect Christmas that lives up to all our expectations and enjoy the uniqueness that each Christmas brings. When we let go of perfection, we can truly be content with worshiping a baby in a manger. So if, like me, this year wasn't perfect celebrate the baby and remember it wasn't perfect for him either.
Away in A Manger http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0L_pfByht8
Away in a manger no crib for a bed
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing the baby awakes
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
I love you Lord Jesus; look down from the sky
And stay by my side until morning is nigh.
Be near me Lord Jesus I ask you to stay
Close by me for ever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in your tender care,
And fit us for heaven, to live with you there
This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:12