Hello Everyone!
So, has the stress of Christmas preparation caused you to boil over? Have you run out of steam? Are you chugging uphill and fear that you cannot make it?
Well, take a deep breath – go on, I will wait.
Another one…. nice and slow.
Let the calm wash over you.
Let go of that niggling anxiety. Yes, just let it go….
It will be okay – trust me!
In all past Christmas’ I have been at a fevered pace in the final days winding up to Christmas day. Much of the activity was brought on by the determination that I would make Christmas perfect for those around me if I was a raving lunatic. With the frantic meal preparations, wrapping an obscene amount of presents, demanding perfection from the house, the children, and the weather – there better be snow! And, what do I have to show for all that – not much but a few additional grey hairs on my head!
What I was missing in all the Christmas preparations was the real meaning of Christmas.
How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is giv’n.
Every year on our Christmas tree, nestled deep in the branches and next to trunk of the tree, we place this little wooden nativity. You have to look for it, it is sort of hidden away. I find this little nativity so beautiful, maybe even more so since I have become a knitter. The little sheep next to the manger is so appropriate. After all, shephard’s were the very first visitors!
I believe that we need to look for the meaning of Christmas – it can get lost in all the “commercialism” of the holiday.
And, if we look – it is there quietly waiting for us, eager to welcome us.
So, my Christmas wish for all of you is that you would slow down in these last remaining days of Advent.
Savor the blessings that surround all of you.
May the peace of Christmas fill your hearts with joy.
Have a great Sunday everyone!
That’s a BEAUTIFUL ornament!!
Merry Christmas!
Welcome to my world! I discovered the real meaning several years ago and have enjoyed Advent and Christmas since then with new eyes and heart. I enjoy all the Advent services at church as well as Christmas eve and I don’t stress anymore about gift giving. Spending time with my family has been my focus more than ever. I hope your Christmas this year will be extra meaningful! Love ya
I hope you have a joyous, peaceful Christmas! It’s all too easy to get caught up in the busy times. I’m glad you’re not feeling stressed this Christmas.
Thank you for that. I needed it. I had a beautiful time at church today and then when I got home I got back to the business of busy-ness. Thank you.
What a lovely Nativity. I am seeing this Christmas as God’s Grace. It will be by his Grace that my voice holds out tonight. It was by his Grace that we have this time to celebrate. It will be with his Grace that we face the coming year and the changes it will make in our lives. Good changes that we just need to be open to. And I know that it is his Grace that is going to bring you through your time of struggle. I can see it in the tone of your posts.
Merry Christmas!