Did you
do it? Did you get to the last week of
Advent with Christmas right around the corner and deepen your love and
appreciation for Christ while growing more eager by the day for His return? I really have. It’s so much easier for me now that my kids
are grown and I don’t have much shopping.
I’m married to a man who loves to live contrarian to the Christmas
trappings, and have decided to bless my friends by not baking for them (Now
that my kids are grown it is more than obvious that I am the one who decorates
the Christmas cookies like a kindergartner.)
Yet, even when my Christmas was more jammed packed, I found that
focusing on Advent soothed my soul and led me to a joy that lasts far beyond
December 25.
When I
ask if Christ reigned over your advent, I’m not asking if you didn’t decorate
your home in a way that it could be the set of a Hallmark Christmas movie. I’m not suggested that the demands of
parties, programs and performances didn’t fill up your time. Christ can reign over your Christmas even if
you locked yourself in your bedroom for four hours on Christmas Eve to finish
the wrapping. It’s not about the around
of activity or things you ended up doing.
It is about the thoughts of Christ your considered, the hope, love, joy
and ultimately peace your felt.
I’m
actually surprised by the overflowing joy I am experiencing this
Christmas. I know it is the fruit of my
relationship with God. I thought I would
feel extra sad this Christmas because I always want to be with family and this
year it will be just us two. Still the
joy, anticipation and excitement of visiting an unknown church this Christmas
(My conversation with the local rector when I inquired of the time for the
Christmas Eve service in advance of our attendance was priceless.) When God gave a Christmas miracle about one
of my gifts getting through the red-tape was unexpected by hope-building. The side-of-the-road find of a Fisher Price
play set that went along with my other gift was too perfect. It will be used and then be the gift that
keeps on giving as I deliver it to Good Will in near perfect condition. Though I had planned on making very
time-consuming cookies the over-abundance of homemade treats I could never eat
provided the perfect plate to bring to the party. I’ve appreciated every card I
received and felt no guilt since I no longer send them. I hope you aren’t getting jealous of my
Charlies Brown Christmas because I believe you can enjoy a Hallmark Christmas
with the same attitude when Christ reigns over your Christmas.
I wish
you a Merry Christmas and pray blessings over your soul. I hope you are experiencing the depths of the
love of Christ.
Copyright © 2018
Deborah R Newman
teatimeforyoursoul.com All Rights
Reserved.
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