Taking Time to Breathe

As soon as this week is OVER, I’m going to turn on the lights on my Christmas tree (and ONLY the lights on my Christmas tree). I’m going to make a mug of hot chocolate. I’m going to turn on some INSTRUMENTAL Christmas music. I’m turning my phone OFF. I’m not going to talk to anyone. I’m going to get into my pajamas and my favorite robe. And then, I’m going to chill. I might snuggle with my cat. I would definitely snuggle with Dave, assuming he can get out of musical-rushing-around-to-get-everything-done-before-Christmas mode. If he can’t – no worries. But I want QUIET. I want PEACEFUL. I want CHRISTMAS – not the crazy thing it becomes every single year, with rehearsals, and baking, decorating, and long lists of presents to buy and things to do.

It seems like we get busier and busier every year. Our calendar doesn’t have many empty slots. And the busier we get, the crankier I get. And before I know it – the joy is gone. I’m so busy that I forget to breathe, and I REALLY forget to celebrate.

Luke 2:8-20 (NIV)

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

MAY THE PEACE AND JOY OF THAT FIRST NOEL FILL YOUR HEARTS TODAY, AND THROUGHOUT THE REST OF THE SEASON.