The past few years I have struggled a little bit with Christmas. For lack of a better description, I'm not as "into it" as I used to be. I know that sounds crazy coming from someone who has a personal relationship with Jesus, but hang with me here...
As we entered into this holiday season, I was pondering why it is that I feel the way I feel, and what I settled on is this: before I became a devout Christian, I was a "every once in a while" Christian. I only focused on God "every once in a while", and Christmas was one of those times that I would focus on God. Because of that, Christmas was always extra special. I could always feel God's presence during the Holiday Season, and HE made it special! The difference is now, I experience God's presence everyday, so in a sense, I have Christmas everday! And that's AWESOME!
So, the other morning I was thinking about all of this, and was trying to sort it out. I was still a little bummed over the fact that I wasn't as excited about Christmas as I used to be. I got on the treadmill, with my I-pod, and began talking to God about what was going on in my brain. I had a new Christmas CD on my I-pod, and the first song I played, literally, struck a "spiritual" cord with me. I've heard the song a thousand times, but this time it was as if Jesus himself was saying to me, "Missy, be excited, THIS is the most wonderful time of the year. With the kids jingle belling And everyone telling you "Be of good cheer" It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year It's the hap -happiest season of all With those holiday greetings and gay happy meetings When friends come to call It's the hap - happiest season of all There'll be parties for hosting Marshmallows for toasting And caroling out in the snow..."
I literally got tears in my eyes as I paused to think, "yes, yes it is". This is a season when people gather in the name of "Christmas", or "Christ". This is a season when Christ centered songs are played in the malls. This is a season when people who ordinarily wouldn't have a prayer said at a party...make it a point to have prayer at their gathering (ie. my own company Christmas party). This is a season when the world focuses on Christmas and Christ. Those who don't know Him, cannot hide from the mention of His name during this season. They can't.
Yes, I have a daily personal relationship with Him, but millions of others only focus on Him one time a year...and this is it. As the world pauses to celebrate Him, it is truly the most wonderful time of the year. If you're one who catches a glimpse of Him this holiday season, may you not let go. May you hold onto Him. May you accept Him as your best gift ever. May you open His presence every day of the year. Or if you're in the place I described in the first and second paragraph, may you too be caught up in the excitment and realization that this is the most wonderful time of the year.
4 comments :
This reminds me of the little verse I had to get up and say during the Christmas program at Church when I was in the 3rd grade. "Jesus comes but once a year is what most people say, but when Jesus lives within your heart Christmas is everyday!" Funny how I can still remember that verse, but I can't remember my cell phone #!
Missy -
I just wanted to tell you that Jesus really shines through you! God bless you.
Arlene
Hey-- had to say that I am glad to hear that you have entered into the Christmas spirit! I am such a kid about Christmas-- I drive my own children crazy with the incessant playing of the songs. And there is such a peace that wells up in me as I walk through my home with all the decorations up. It is what I waited all my life to have-- a real home, with a real family living there. Not a perfect family, mind you, but a real one. I wouldn't change a thing!
I love that you put words to what I've kind of felt too. It's so true that when you have a daily relationship, the "tasks and busyness" of Christmas can actually kind of compromise the relationship--which is NOT cool. Thanks for the inspiration--I've been doing much better with it this year too. :-)
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