A Christmas Pause

Christmas time always creates a child-like wonder inside of me and a curiosity of "What was it like?". What would it have been like to be the young Mary chosen by the Lord to carry his most precious son. What is it like to be in the presence of Angels receiving a direct word and task from God. And then Joseph, wrapping his mind around how he fits into this plan. How God positioned him so that Jesus would be born into a family unit. Some say she was a single mother but truthfully God had Joseph in the plan all along, he did not just happen to show up and God had to figure it out, no he was a part of it.

And how about the Wise Men, A star you have been searching for over the course of years finally arrives and what did they do, They dropped what they were doing, gathered their gifts and caravan and headed out with no idea how long or how far they would travel. The Messiah was so important to them that without hesitation it became their number one focus. To be a Shepard being serenaded by Angels. The lowest of class and yet they were chosen to be present at the birth of Christ. God's way of saying "This gift is for all who will hear."

Now days Christmas is rushed, overwhelming, and all about...us. What are we purchasing for each of our loved ones? What's the budget? Is it even? I concern myself with how many presents are placed beneath the tree at a time because I don't want one child to feel more loved than the other simply because their gifts have not arrived yet. Figuring out what party schedules are going to be in the midst o church services... What if we just stopped? What if Christmas reflected and looked similar to that first Christmas? Would the blessing of it's simplicity out weigh any past joys? Would we be filled in a way that would leave nothing left to be desired?

I believe if we stopped for one moment to truly celebrate with worship and thanksgiving the true meaning of Christmas our hearts would be filled with such joy and completion that they would be no desire for gifts but only the desire to know Him more. We are so incredibly talented at making a mess of things God never intended and missing what His blessing really was/is. "For unto us a Child is born, see Charlie Brown, that's what Christmas is all about." Thanks Linus, I couldn't have said it better myself...