Why do we cram all of this busyness into a few short weeks? Why is it okay to consume double the calories, even though, it makes us feel horrible? But mostly, why all the hype when I am thankful for Jesus every day?
December can feel chaotic. Schedules fill up, expectations from family and friends seem to be highlighted in bold and our checkbooks perspire as we purchase gifts for people we know, and sometimes, people we don’t.
Some Christmases have been nothing short of magical for our family. In other years, we’ve been steeped in grief. Grief over the loss of loved ones. Grief over the struggles family members were facing that we could do little to help with. Anticipatory grief as we soaked up memories with those we knew would not be with us the next Christmas season.
Our hearts are tender this time of year. The hope Jesus brings to our lives seems to grow as we take in live nativity scenes, candlelight church services and Advent reading plans. But a tender heart can be bruised easily. It’s more sensitive to the stress we are under. Our emotions seem to ride just under the surface and rather than exuberance and wonder, we may feel anxious and a little suffocated.
Our expectations don’t always match our reality this time of year, and it can be isolating as we roll those thoughts over in our minds, not daring to share so that we don’t put a damper on others’ Christmas cheer.
In Luke 2, a young teenage girl has an encounter with an angel that changes her life. She has little control over the events that are about to take place, and I think we can learn a few things from her:
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Luke 1:38
1. When things are out of our control, having God IN control is the safest place to be. We can trust Him with the unknowns.
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19
2. Not everything requires us to respond with words. Quiet reflection is a wise choice when there are a lot of moving pieces.
“And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.”
Luke 1:46-48
3. Mary chose praise and adoration throughout the seasons she walked through. From a virgin birth to mothering the light of the world, to letting Him go when Jesus was in public ministry. She observed, responded with tender, maternal love, and thanked Christ for His faithfulness to her.
We don’t have to understand why some people go nuts over Christmas, and others, take off to the beach to avoid the hubbub.
We can quietly, ponder this precious life and the gift of Jesus whether we are putting sprinkles on candy cane cookies, or laying flowers on the grave of a loved one we lost this year.
We can quietly, ponder the hope Jesus brought whether we are in a room filled with ugly Christmas sweaters and eggnog in red plastic cups, or in a nursing home, straightening the corners of our well-worn Bible alone.
Don’t confuse how you feel, with the truth of your soul.
Jesus is Emmanual…God is with us. And for that, we can be thankful.
Simple Faith 