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!
Hi Wanda,
ReplyDeleteI agree with everything you posted above. Every year, I grow increasingly frustrated with Christmas activities that really have nothing to do with the true meaning of Christmas. My biggest pet peeve in this area: gift exchanges involving people who tell you exactly what to buy for them, then ask you to tell them exactly what to buy for you. (I'm sure there's an entire Seinfeld-like standup comedy routine that could be done on this concept, if it hasn't already been done!)
We're actually starting a new family tradition this year, to hopefully inject more of God into the season. We normally spend a certain amount of money on Xmas gifts for each child. This year, we asked our kids if they would be willing to donate half that amount to needy children in an overseas orphanage.
It's a different twist on a gift exchange: the kids receive fewer gifts, but in exchange, they get to experience the joy of sharing God's message of love in a very practical way, with children whose Christmas wish list often includes a single piece of meat in their daily bowl of rice. Our kids agreed to do this (some reluctantly at first), but they're getting more excited about the idea as we look at websites/videos of specific orphanages and organizations, and discuss which one we want to help.
In your posting, you mentioned special devotional books and audio recordings that you use with your kids only during the holidays. I'm wondering if you can post some of your favorites?
Wishing you a blessed holiday season!
Mother,
ReplyDeleteChristmas is my favorite time of year because you have made it so special for us. It is such a blessing to have someone care about us as much as you and Dad. I cherish every precious moment I have left living in this house before getting married and having my own family. My prayer is that I can make memories that last a lifetime with my husband and children as you and Dad have done for me and my siblings.
I love you very much!
~Kimberly~