Today we experienced our first snow. It was light and lovely. I watched the snow flurries dance with the current of the wind, as I slowly sipped my special blend of eggnog hot chocolate. The fire in our ivory-colored wood stove created a warm cozy atmosphere in my home. I felt perfectly at peace....full of bliss.
However, I know this season holds its own unique challenges: maintaining a budget, keeping up with meals, baking Christmas treats, getting prepared for company, laundry, church and ministry activities. Along with the daily commitment to schedules, the emotional highs and lows one may deal with: feelings of loneliness, decreased finances, loss of a family member or fatigue supplies its own spinning plate to our lives.
One of my challenges has been to stay focused on what really matters: my time with the Lord and my family. It's so easy to function off of a "TO DO LIST" especially if you tend to be a planner by nature. My heart so longs to be a good example for my children by putting Christ first everyday.
The scripture in Isaiah 9:6 states, For unto us a child is born... Wow! Think about that for a moment...a child.
One of the things I enjoy most is holding a newborn baby. I like to lay the child right on my chest and feel its little heart pounding. I'm close enough to breathe in that unique "baby scent" that's a mixture of Downy and Baby Magic. I'm there to protect him/her from the harshness this world has to offer. I bask in the moment. My heart echos my sentiments as I hold on to the child for just one last moment.
What then will I do with this child that has been given to "us"? How do I protect this son from getting lost in the ribbon and bows of this magnificent season? For me, I've discovered simple living, determination and preparation go a long way.
Before I make up my Christmas shopping list, I plan spiritual activities for myself and my family. I commit not to leave my bedroom without praying and reading my Bible every morning. Each year I purchase a new Christmas book our family can read together in the evenings. One of our favorites is One Wintry Night written by Ruth Bell Graham.
I also have special devotional books and audio recordings I use only during the holidays. The devotional times with the children are all centered around the scriptures relating to Christ's birth and we avail ourselves to minister to others.
As I enter into each holiday season, I purpose not to be entrapped with the superficial glitter and miss the joy of holding the child, the King of Glory, who waits for our fellowship daily in his courts. Dedicate at least the first five minutes of each day during this holy season to hold and treasure Him. Get close enough to smell Him!
