“They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.” Luke 2:16-20 NLT
Well, we have arrived to Christmas Eve, the day before the arrival of Jesus. As I have shown through this blog, many things just do not line up with the real birth of Jesus, yet we have this wondrous idea of what it should be about. As the gifts have been wrapped and placed under our trees and the cookies are baked, we wait in anticipation for tomorrow to arrive. Some are waiting for the man in the red suit. Others are waiting to see family they only see once a year. Still others are found to be lost this season in a sea of hopelessness. If Christ came for all, them why are we not all trying to help those who are in need? Where is our focus tomorrow? Is it on the birth or the gifts? How many will not be in church tomorrow because it is on Christmas day?
I write tonight with a somewhat heavy heart. God has given me opportunities this season to reflect on the real meaning of Christmas and I think I have it figured out but I feel as though I am missing something. Not quite sure what it may be, I am sure God will reveal it in due time. As I approach this my third Christmas without my husband I just wonder how I have managed to keep it together and the only word which runs through my mind is hope. Hope for restoration. Hope for rebirth. Hope for change. Hope for healing. Is this not what happens with the birth of Jesus? Hope. I assure you, there have been times when I just wanted to give up, yet there is a pull from heaven that keeps me going forward. I am not in control, God is and only He knows what lies ahead.
So as we lay our heads upon our pillows tonight, let us ponder all things Christmas. What led us to this moment? We heard the angels. We followed the star. We were amazed by the shepherds and the wisemen. Tomorrow we will stand in awe at the manger, the place where the King lays in perfect peace. As we make all the fuss over this birth, all He desires is for us to find peace. Are you at peace tonight? Do you feel the Father’s love washing over you? Or are you stressed and lonely? Are you frustrated with the circumstances right in front of you? Jesus came to give us life and peace and a hope, are we accepting these things for our lives?
I have one more blog pertaining to Christmas and I will find time tomorrow to write. This journey has been so fulfilling and eye opening I know I will approach Christmas much differently next year. The tree will be up and decorated, however my focus will be forever on the manger and it’s importance in my life. I pray all have a good nights rest and awake to a new beginning this Christmas. Enjoy your families and gifts. Take a moment to reflect on your real meaning of Christmas and may you find room in your heart to focus on the baby in the manger.
Step Upon the Golden Road with Me! 