How does one write a Merry Christmas blog post when they don’t feel the Christmas spirit? I was all set to write about how Christmas rocks, but this has been a stressful time and my spirit is not rockin’, that’s for sure.
You know, Christ didn’t hit this earth rockin’. He arrived first in the womb of a financially poor, unmarried, woman and then into a stable because the hotel of the time didn’t have a room available. Once he was born, he was laid in a bed full of hay and old cloth. Talk about not arriving in style. His parents were most likely not bouncing with joy, other than Mary being glad to have finally given birth. They were probably exhausted from the trip to Bethlehem. Instead of people to cheer on his birth, he had cows, and sheep, and whatever other animals may have been in that stable.
I believe I can relate. After a month of being emotionally supportive to friends going through rough times, wishing family members were happier and healthier, traveling, and then the final straw of spilling an entire bottle of hard core cleaner on the floor of our car two days before Christmas ($116 cleanup of a $1 bottle of cleaner – the most expensive clean ever!), I am not feeling happy or merry. In fact, I rather wish the holiday was over and life would get back to normal, whatever normal is these days.
With the dashing about, and the marketing of this world, we come to believe we are supposed to be beaming lights, shining smiles, bounces of happiness, full of love, and desiring to give during Christmas. However, God was not running around like mad, spending money He did not have, and baking cakes, and cookies, and roasts. No, for this day, He sent His son, had him arrive quietly in a small town and lay in a manger, and He sent angels to tell the humble shepherds that their Savior had arrived.
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” ~ Luke 2:13-14
Peace is what I’d love to have this Christmas. Peace of mind; peace of heart; peace in the home…and that means resting in His favor. And, I do mean resting. Resting and knowing that I am focusing on Christ not things. Resting and not getting caught up anymore this season in what I think people want me to do and feel but rather embracing the true meaning of this holiday…Christ’s birth; His quiet birth; His love and His peace.
The bible even tells us that Mary was contemplative rather than jumping for joy on Christmas.
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ~ Luke 2:19
So, it’s OK that I don’t feel rockin’. The world may tell me that Christmas will only rock because of what I do or don’t do, but I don’t have to flow with the world. I can be at peace just knowing that Christ came to earth for me, for all of us.
Time to rest and let Christ take the reins this holiday. I am going to let Christ rock His peace, and that will make my Christmas rock.
Father, let us all feel your love and peace this Christmas. Watch over those who are truly suffering, sad, sick, lonely, without homes, and without family. Thank you for becoming human for us so that we may find peace in your favor and salvation. Amen.
