As adults we often make our faith and Christmas more complicated than they need to be.
We believe we have to do all. the. things.
To be a good Christian we must show up to church every time the door opens, we must pray for hours and we must memorize the Bible. Oh, and don’t forget all those service opportunities we must participate in. We do and do and do for God.
At Christmas our to-do list gets longer and longer until we feel anything but jolly.
The stress of the holidays leaves many of us acting more like the Grinch and less like Christ.
I want my heart to be in the right place this Christmas.
I don’t want the hustle and bustle to steal my joy.
I was reminded of what matters most the other morning as I went into Jackson’s room.
It was still dark and his tree lights were twinkling. He had bed head and a huge smile plastered on his face. He looked darling in his Christmas pajamas.
He pushed the angel on his Little People Nativity Set and started to sing along with the music.
He sang one word over and over and over again.
Jesus!
I wanted to freeze time.
He sang that one word that encompasses everything that is Christmas.
He sang and his face was radiant with joy!
My heart about burst – he summed up the season singing one simple word!
Later that morning after I had dropped Jackson off at school I was reminiscing about that special moment in his room. A particular verse came to mind:
But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart… (Luke 2:19)
I want to cherish that moment with Jackson forever. I want to etch that scene in his room on my heart.
As I was praying, I was overcome with gratitude. I thanked God for the sweet reminder from my son.
Thank you for his child like faith that strengthens mine. Oh that Jackson will know the power of that name. Jesus. I want to soak in these holy moments with him. I want to be like Mary…”
This holiday season I’ve made it a priority to be still.
I drop Jackson off at school each morning and return home to spend a few uninterrupted minutes with God. There’s usually a fire and twinkling tree lights to make the time even sweeter; and the smell of toasted marshmallow lingering in the air.
It’s peaceful. It’s slow. It’s exactly what I need.
Whether I read a section of Scripture, journal or pray; or simple speak the name of Jesus – this is what my heart needs most this holiday season!