I’m Not Ready for Christmas!

I’m not ready for Christmas!

There are cookies to make, presents half-finished, presents to purchase, parties to attend. And there are only two weeks left!

I’m hyperventilating.

Breathe. Pause. Breathe. Remember.

Remember.

O come, O come, Immanuel,
and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.

O come, O Wisdom from on high,
who ordered all things mightily;
to us the path of knowledge show
and teach us in its ways to go.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.

The reason for Christmas is celebrating Jesus’ birth.

Remember. Immanuel—God with us.

I’m not as ready as I thought I’d be at this point in December. But here are 3 things I’m pausing to do today:

1. Remember Whose birthday it is. The Prince of Peace. In this season, it’s very easy to forget to celebrate the birthday of Jesus, Immanuel—God with us. In the midst of all the parties and preparation, I need to take moments, snippets really, and remember Jesus, my Savior, the source of Truth and Wisdom for daily life. So, in all my preparations, I will remember to celebrate Jesus.
2. Relish the celebrations. Not only are there tastes and smells associated with the Christmas season, but also there is a real sense of allowing myself to fully experience this wonder-filled season. Rushing and pushing and barreling my way through each day doesn’t equate to savoring. So, I’m stopping right now to take a deep breath, look around, and pause to savor this moment.
3. Reflect on my blessings. I am abundantly blessed. Whether I receive another Christmas gift or not, I am blessed. When I pause long enough to reflect, I experience the most JOY from being with family and friends. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy receiving gifts like you do. But the joy comes in relationships not things. Maybe today that’s what I need to focus on more than my list.

As my household wakes up, I’m filled with joy. My heart rate has slowed, my mind has calmed. Immanuel speaks His Truth into my soul and I’m once again in Peace.

The list is still the list. I”m not ready for Christmas. BUT! The important things will get done. The rest no one will miss.

Immanuel is come. Rejoice!

Capture the extraordinary in the ordinary today.

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