It’s Christmas Eve.
We’ve rushed, we’ve cooked, we’ve purchased. We worry that we haven’t bought enough, or worry that we’ve bought too much. We tiptoe through difficult family gatherings and we miss those who are not with us this year. We compare our scantily decorated homes with the house next door. We yearn to make everyone happy… and doubt that we can pull it off. We try our best to keep it real, but struggle to hold on to the true meaning of Christmas in the flurry of activities.
Take a moment and breathe.
I want to give you permission to stop and breathe. The one gift that truly matters this holiday season has already been purchased by Christ. A gift of forgiveness and of unfailing, unconditional love and eternal life. A gift of holy beauty in our messy Christmas season.
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness..
Take a moment and rejoice.
Look for that One Holy Moment. Find it in the warm glow of a Christmas candle. Hear it in the choir’s song and in the laughter of a child. Feel it in in the embrace of an old friend. Treasure it in the words of ancient prophecy announcing the birth of a Savior.
You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest.
Take a moment and be free.
Find the beauty in the mess of life. Break the chains of holiday perfection and rejoice in the freedom of knowing that you don’t have to perform.
You have shattered the yoke that burdens them,
the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.
Take a moment and stand in awe.
Imagine the bright light of the star of Bethlehem. Wonder about the sweet lullaby that Mary sang to her Holy Child. Marvel that a baby’s cry ended 400 years of heavenly silence. Be amazed that this infant would grow to save us all.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
One Holy Moment
I pray that you will find One Holy Moment today. A moment when the rush has ended and there is nothing left but His holy presence. That quiet, still place when you touch something so divine, so timeless, and so holy that you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Christmas has truly arrived, and a Savior has come.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
(All Scriptures from Isaiah 9 NIV)
Have a Merry, Holy Christmas! Many blessings to you and yours!
Kelly
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Kelly, what an encouraging word…focus on that one holy moment. They come so quickly in the midst of the rush that we often don’t even notice them. I praise God for Advent, and the slowing down that is required to read and meditate on the Scriptures leading up to Christmas day. Your words go out as gift, dear friend.
Beautiful!