December is well under way and what tends to be the busiest month of the year for most families, also lends itself to be the most stressful. Gatherings, work parties, school events, concerts, plays, gift exchanges, and shopping all add themselves to schedules that for most of us are already full to the brim.
The added stresses can take the edge off of our joy and replace the fringes of our lives with contention, stress, discouragement, and chaos. How do we enjoy this merry season without losing perspective on why we are so busy in the first place? It’s simple…focus. Focus on the meaning of Christmas, the people we are gathering with, and the communities to which we are blessed to belong.
In this Christmas season, I offer you these blessings.
May you read the Christmas Story in Luke chapter 2 and remember the birth of Jesus…the event that gave us this season to celebrate.
May you remember the simplicity of that first Christmas night when all Mary focused on was holding and nurturing her precious baby. The gifts given were a bonus but not the focus.
May you invest in the relationships of your gift recipients more than in the candles, mugs, and socks you purchase for them.
May you realize that even if you are not surrounded by friends and family, that your Creator has chosen you, loves you and longs for your fellowship.
May you be in the moment at every event. Hear the music, enjoy the plays, eat the yummy food, and embrace the goodwill of strangers and friends alike who offer greetings of the season.
May you gather with those you love, set aside differences, and be grateful that of all human beings, God put the puzzle of your family and friends together for a reason.
May you be blessed to have people to love, strangers to be kind to, and a Saviour to celebrate.
May you listen to music in your home, enjoy wrapping each gift and pray over each Christmas treat you give away.
May you find quiet moments in each day to whisper prayers of gratefulness that you are alive and in this present moment.
May you look, really look, at the faces of those you love and remember the faces of those you have lost, and be thankful that your life has been blessed by their presence.
May you find this Christmas season to be a deep, soul filling, time where the added activities are welcome and enjoyed.
May you know, above all, that the babe born on a quiet night in Bethlehem, now waits for you in Heaven and longs to commune with you. His birth changed history and longs to change your life.
May you be blessed this Christmas season to see another one a year from now.
From my heart to yours…Merry Christmas!
Renee Parris
Hear My Heartbeat 