Sighing heavily, I plopped down on the couch as my younger sister was coming down the stairs. I just got home from my 4th consecutive Christmas party and felt way more tired than I thought I would. Who knew a 22-year old body could feel like 40?
With a huge smile on her face, she walked up to me.
“How was it?”
For several days, I’ve come home to her asleep and have gone out before she was even awake. I shook my head.
“It was really fun, but at this point, I just want some rest.”
Early this year, I mentioned in a post one particular Christmas tradition I personally liked to keep; that is, starting December 1, I read through the stories of the characters in the genealogy of Jesus leading up to His birth on the 25th, and then spend the days thereafter pondering on His life, death, and resurrection.
Guess what? 10 days into December and I’ve started on nada. Zip. Zilch.
How ironic is it that I’m missing out on sweet time with my Jesus because of the frivolities that come with Christmas, frivolities that are supposed to be all about celebrating Him in the first place?
How frivolous.
Please don’t get me wrong, I’m no Christmas grouch. In fact, if you’ve been reading this blog for a while now, you would know that I’m huge on Christmas. I start my countdown around March and start hanging my decors by September. I’m all for the activities that come with it as well. The lights, the parties, the gifts – I love all of it. Every bit of it.
But with the piling responsibilities on my plate, I now realize that I couldn’t have it all or do it all. That saddens me. And while a part of me wants to keep going and doing, if all of it is causing me to be more about the hype than the holy, then I’d really rather not.
Instead of being overwhelmed by the season, I’d rather be overwhelmed by His grace, love, and rest. I’d rather savor my Savior.
Say it with me: I’m not going to be a Christmas Martha.
I’m not going to find myself buried in worry over planning parties, fixing schedules, and buying gifts.
I’m going to be like Mary, who paused and chose what was better.
I’m going to be like Mary, who allowed what the Holy Spirit was doing and made space in her life to receive Jesus.
I’m going to choose the wonder right in front of me.
Christmas.
Hallowed, Divine.
Love came down.
Grace. Rest.
Beloved, what’s the rush?
Let’s not miss Jesus this Christmas.
Happy holidays, everyone. May yours be full of holy days.
