Getting there.

It’s Tuesday of “Christmas Week” and I’m planning out the days as I head towards Christmas Eve and Day. The month has been filled with quite a few music performances for me, and a few parties already. It’s been filled with gift purchases and gift wrapping. Sending out cards. I’m feeling prepared. Even the food and wine are ready.

Today I am driving up to babysit my granddaughter while her parents go out with clients for a Christmas dinner. Then back home, one more dance class tomorrow, a hair appointment, and on the 24th we head to my daughter’s home to celebrate with the family. I can’t wait to watch my four year old, twin grandsons, this Christmas morning because they are at the prime age where it’s all over the top exciting – and they believe Santa Claus exists. My little granddaughter will be more about the pretty gift wrap and ribbons – and she will be fun to watch also.

It’s the home stretch coming in to Christmas day. At this point I can breathe a sigh of relief. The stress of ‘preparing’ is almost over..

The moment of ‘wonder’ is upon us. The Christmas lights are on the trees and outdoor lights are bright as they twinkle. There are lots of colors everywhere.

On Christmas Eve churches around the world will be filled with people and carols will be sung. The Luke story of Jesus’s birth will be read as it is each year. Candles will be lit. It’s really my favorite part of it all… being at a worship service singing “Silent Night” by candlelight’s glow, and then turning on the bright lights to “Joy to the World.” Without that moment for me it’s just not complete.

There is something special knowing that people, all kinds from everywhere, are doing that very same thing at the same moment. That the birth of Jesus has withstood the test of time. That God’s son coming to earth is still a celebration. It’s such a warm feeling -it’s joyful, and hopeful. A real ‘feel good’ moment..

How long does that moment last? How long until reality seeps in, and we hear something awful on the news? Or we disagree and speak poorly of each other? How long can we really keep the Christmas moment alive??

We know the answers to these questions. Not long at all.

But, a Christian knows that Christmas is the START of the story. With thanks we rejoice that God sent Jesus here, though it was many years ago, He came for us still TODAY – and tomorrow. That is why we celebrate Christmas every single year.

I admit some years I am not in the mood for all the hoopla, and don’t have the desire to decorate, to send out cards – and to just go there. It can seem a lot of work, and repetitious, and stressful. It’s a game I play in my head all the time. So, I tell myself – to always remember Jesus at Christmas. I want to enjoy the good parts, and lower my expectations. I want to keep the Christmas moment special.

I’m doing pretty good this Christmas week. How are you doing?

Can we focus in on the peace, and love, and joy of the season? Can we take the Christmas moment into the new year? How long can it last?

Merry Christmas to my musings readers. I wish you well this week, and I pray we can keep the Christmas feeling going long after the day. What a difference it can make.

“The thrill of hope – a weary world rejoices. For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Fall on your knees, oh hear the angels voices. Oh night divine, Oh night divine! It is the night of our dear savior’s birth.”