5 Steps to a Calm Christmas

December 13, 2015

The hustle and bustle is upon us. The December calendar is filled to the brim with Christmas pageants, programs, parties, and shopping. Crazy people everywhere are rushing here and there decking halls and singing fa-la-la-la-la. It makes me twitch a little. I love Christmas, but the pace seems to get crazier and crazier every year.

I like the slow parts.

I like to inhale and smell the comforting scent of cinnamon and apple spice.

I like to sit by the Christmas tree and watch the ornaments glisten and dazzle.

I like to gather around a table and enjoy laughter and good food.

I like to see children light up at the thought of Christmas morning.

I enjoy the little precious moments and memories that Christmas brings.

I like the tradition of going to church on Christmas Eve for a candle lit service. There’s something about joining together with the body of Christ to remember and celebrate Jesus that captivates my spirit in a beautiful way.

Rather than letting myself get crazy this year, I am choosing to slow down and take time to enjoy the memories being made. I want to focus on the parts of Christmas that are truly important. I want to remember the sweet traditions and the priceless family gatherings.

But more importantly than anything that we do, I want to see Jesus in a new light. I want to experience surrendering my time, my energy and my schedule to His purpose, plan, and providence.

I do not want to look back and say that this was a great Christmas because of the presents or the pageants. I want it to be a great Christmas because of the way Jesus’ presence so evidently filled every aspect of the season. I want my children to realize it’s not about the presents under the tree, but rather about God’s presence being sent to earth to die for our sins.

When I really sit in the stillness of God’s presence and I focus on Jesus, God’s son who came to a sinful world to die for me, my heart is convicted.

Christmas is a time to celebrate! We should tell our family, and tell our friends the real meaning of Christmas. What a perfect time to reflect and remember the way Jesus has changed our lives. If you’ve gotten too busy and December makes you feel a little nutty, slow down and remember the reason for the season. No one is making you rush here and run there. Choose a slower pace this year.

Slow down, notice the lights, the enchanting scents and the people who are in your life this Christmas. Jesus died for them too and His presence is truly amazing. We should tell them!

Here is what God is reminding me to do this season:

1. Focus on Jesus – the reason for the season.

2. Don’t get caught up in the gifts.

3. Give your heart out.

4. Make Jesus the center of your home for every gathering.

His presence brings peace, not pressure.

5. Remember His presence is the best present. Make eye contact. Focus and give the gift of attention to those in your life that you love. Look into their eyes and make sure they know the reason for the season is more than a tree, more than lights, more than an elf on a shelf, or a family dinner. It’s all about Jesus.

Don’t get me wrong, I love elves. But I love Jesus so much more! Let’s tell others why He came.