This Christmas

This Christmas has crept into my soul slowly. I am sitting here looking at the lights wrapped in tulle on my fireplace wall and the little tree lights peeking in from the Music room and I realize that sitting quietly (as quietly as you can with a game on in the background), soaking in the lights and allowing the redeeming grace of love’s pure light to sink to the bottom of your soul is the only thing that really matters.

The decorations don’t have to be major or perfect, the gifts don’t have to be extravagant and the food doesn’t have to be over the top. Simple can suffice. (And the excitement of a Bengals touchdown can apparently break through the calm without making the lights flicker too much before all settles back to calm and bright.)

Earlier in the season when Rod Stewart was crooning in my ear and reminding me about baby Jesus (really, if you read it once, no need to again, but if you’re curious go on over and I’ll be here when you come back) I had one of those moments when you begin to realize a deep truth. A truth that has been marinating in my soul all season. I realized that we go to a lot of trouble to make one day perfect. We act as if Christmas Day only comes once a year. We get all in a frenzy making sure we have our list checked off and everything planned and synchronized. We exhaust ourselves shopping and cooking and trying to fit in one more event.

We say that it is because of Jesus, Lord at Thy birth. But, I have to wonder if that is what we are doing. Because I’m not so sure we are really focusing on the Holy Infant, tender and mild. In light of the significance of his birth, Christmas is every day. The day of his birth was the dawn of redeeming grace. It wasn’t just for that one day, to be remembered once a year. It is a Hallelujah event to be celebrated every day.

There is nothing wrong with trees and baubles, parties and great food, or sharing gifts with family and friends. However, if those things become our focus and wear us down to the point of becoming Scrooge, then I think we have to examine our priorities. That is what I decided to do.

When Rod sang Silent Night, the words really sank in more than ever before. I realized I wanted my focus to be on Christ, the Savior is born, so, I made a list of things to remember this Christmas. Maybe it will help you remember too!