TO NOT MISS OUT CHRISTMAS.
To not go ahead faster than the grace I am provided with for the day. I just love the revelation behind the story of how Mary and Joseph accidentally left Jesus in the temple. They have travelled for days already when they realized Jesus was not with them. They had to retrace their steps all the way back to the temple to find him. A lot of times I find myself in that same situation. I am such a worldly, practical person, whose work engine just keeps on churning without thinking or sensing at times if this is indeed the work calling for the hour. Like an Energizer bunny, I just keep going, and going, and going... To work, just for works sake.
Are you like Mary and Joseph (and me), with all your good and practical intentions to live a meaningful life, left Jesus in the temple? Or are you like Martha? Who fussed over being a good host to Jesus and his company, yet failed to do the most important thing that will please her guest… to stay and spend time with him. How I fall short everyday. Like Martha, it has become my second nature to fuss and organize. Like Mary and Joseph, I go ahead faster than the grace and leading of God for I follow the noise of the crowd, not his voice.
There is so much noise around. All the well-meaning merrymaking and bright lights may have dimmed the true nature of Christmas. God chose a quiet night and the humblest of places, and people, as the setting for the birth of his only son. It is in the quiet when we truly hear and feel God. It is in the quiet and stillness when we can look up the sky to admire the bright morning star, and perhaps chance upon a falling star.
It is in the quiet and stillness when clarity of thought happens.
It is in the quiet and stillness when we are able to connect with the heartbeat of God and his creation.
Christmas is the best time to find our center.
Christmas is our time in the manger. In quiet humility.
To gaze upon the beauty of the child born unto us.
To hide in our hearts the purpose of his birth.
To receive the most precious gift anyone could ever give us.
At no cost to us, but all at the expense of the giver.
SHEER GIFT, not the wages of my labor.
Not something to strive for.
The gift of Christmas.
It is a relief that we do not need to work for God's love and salvation. For I know that I cannot possibly work out saving myself from my rotten, fussing self. That I cannot keep from sinning even though in my heart I wish to be good. My works, abilities, good intentions, accomplishments, and relationships cannot save me. It cannot fulfill me as well. For they are all rotten and filthy rags, coated with good intentions, filled with selfish motives.
SHEER GIFT is what He gives us.
He loves us.
As is, where is.
Flaws and all.
His gift is pure joy!
Receiving the gift of Christmas, quiet and unassuming...
it is the most beautiful and wonderful thing.
A joyful and warm Christmas to everyone.
