It’s the halfway point of Advent. 12 Days until Christmas Eve.
How are you feeling right now? Does the date, and the closeness to Christmas frighten you? Are you wondering if you will ever get everything done in time? Have you made your list – and checked it twice?
Today’s word is fear.
Do you fear this time of year? I do. I don’t Ike the expectations and I worry that I won’t do enough. That I will disappoint people. I always breathe a sigh of relief on the 25th, knowing it’s over. Phew. By that point it’s “What will be will be”. I start to look to the new year ahead to make amends, to change my concerns, to find a better way to treat myself and others.
Christmas should not be about fear.
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4.
In fact, it should be about the opposite of fear. The real meaning of Christmas is about being free from fear, of not being afraid for what comes in the future. It’s about putting faith in God.
This year is the first year since being married, and having a family, that I have not put up a Christmas tree. I mentioned earlier that we are going through some construction here. Plus, we will be spending Christmas at my daughter’s home. So, it just seems easier to leave the tree in the box and the ornaments safely wrapped, and put away. We have put out some outdoor lights and a few decorations. That’s it. It’s not my usual way. But, I kinda like that it’s this way, this year. I always feel Christmas coming once a year is too much. Can’t we do it every other year? I think the impact would be greater. So, next year, maybe I’ll really want to spruce up the place and put up all the holiday decorations.
I wonder though: sometimes all the glitz and all the shininess of Christmas is a distraction. It’s not about a million lights, flashing, synchronized together. It’s about one bright star leading the way.
Are you afraid you will miss the true meaning of Christmas? Are you afraid the holiday will not live up to all the hype?
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Marla’s Musings 