Christmas Presence
Luke 2:7 (NIV) 7. . . she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, . . .
The Christmas season is full of expectation and excitement leading up to the big day. I hate to admit it, but once the presents are opened, and friends and family have long overstayed their welcome, Christmas Day (starting around 4:00 PM) goes from being my favorite day of the year to one of my least favorites.
The pressure for the holiday to be “perfect” often leaves me feeling empty and nostalgic for the weeks leading up to the Christmas magic. Suddenly, the clock is ticking again and I have to wait another 365 days to experience the thrill of Christmas lights and tree shopping again. The preparation of Christmas — picking out the perfect gifts for the people I love, baking cookies for the homeless, decorating my home — it is all an expression of love and creativity. Once Christmas is over, I find myself missing the journey of pouring my heart into my environment and celebrating the people in my life.
But every year, as Christmas Day begins to dwindle and I find myself in bed, I sink into the scripture and immerse myself in the story of Jesus’ birth. I can see Mary swaddling little Jesus on a quiet night in the middle of a small, dirty stable. I can feel the discouragement of not being able to give him a more dignified birth melt away as she cradles him and basks in his presence for the first time. I can see the care and love in her eyes as she places him in that manger like a special gift being placed under the tree. I watch her as she watches Jesus’ chest rise and fall, and I feel her heart swell with love for the Savior of The World — the first woman to ever love Jesus and the only woman who probably loved him more than any of us ever will.
And so I am reminded, once again, that the lights and mistletoe are simply a distraction and that the true magic of Christmas is coming into the presence of God and unwrapping the gift of eternal life.
This year, I urge you to get alone with God. Invite him to Christmas. Allow Him to stay with you throughout the day and reflect on His immense graciousness. Then, and only then, your Christmas will always end perfectly.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, no matter how this Christmas plays out, I know the star on the tree of my life is you. I want to celebrate Christmas with you, Lord. Fill my heart with your love and joy, and give me the gift of your perspective this holiday season. In Jesus’ name, amen.