Simplify and Savor

Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

At this time of year many are caught up with busyness, heavy schedules and deadlines. And I must admit that in the early years of my life I acquiesced to the same mentality. Somehow, I got caught up in the expectations of others and the desire to make the Christmas holiday “PERFECT”. What does perfect mean anyway …? excellent or complete beyond practical. Hmmm, beyond practical tells me that many excessive efforts are not necessary. I found myself rushed, stressed, and tired throughout the whole season and I as I look back, I wonder, did I really enjoy the reason we celebrate Christmas or was I too busy performing and marching to the beat of others?

I am well-seasoned now, grandchildren have come into the picture and I am happy to say that I no longer approach Christmas feeling as stressed or anxious. I’ve simplified the cooking, decorating, gift giving and card sending. After all, in the years to come people will not remember what they ate, what your decorations looked like, what gift you gave them or whether they received a card from you. But they will remember how they felt when they were with you and they will remember your demeanor in the midst of all that was going on.

I want my gift to others to be the fruit of the spirit and maybe, just maybe some of that fruitiness will rub off on those that God sends my way. The fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self control make others feel at ease and comfortable in our presence. It is those Christ-like characteristics that cause others to be curious and wonder what we are all about and I’m all about my Lord! How about you?

Breathe, dear one, slow down, sit down more, simplify, and savor all that the first Christmas means to us today! God exhorts us to "BE STILL". Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Choose joy, not anguish. Chose simple, not extravagant and if some things don’t get finished, relax, it is no big deal. Tomorrow will still come and depending on your attitude, joy will come in the morning!

Won’t you Join me this Christmas season in placing all our focus on the Lord Jesus Christ who is the author and the finisher of our faith, who is the reason for the celebration of this season, who is where our help comes from, who is our salvation and our song, and who is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Let's let Him be the main attraction in our homes and on our hearts instead of clamoring over all the sparkle, wrapping, and abundance that is vying for our attention.

Remember, we’ve been given the best gift of all and our thankfulness should be reflected in ALL that we say and do! Let your praises to our Lord be evident to ALL this Christmas season! Let them see the glory of the Lord in every part of your being as you simply celebrate His birth yet again.

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Dear Lord,

Christmas reminds me yet again that if You had not come, my life would be so different. If You had not saved me, I shudder to think where I would be right now and what I would be doing. I praise you, Lord because You are my Savior and King! You are the Holy one! You are the Most High God in whom I have placed my trust. I desire to make You the focal point of this Christmas season so, Lord, help me to fix my eyes on You and not all that the world is doing to distract me. Fill me with the joy of Your presence and radiate Your likeness from me so I can reflect You at every turn.

In Jesus Name,

Amen