Merry Christmas, Friend!
I sit on my couch and watch the lights twinkle on the Christmas tree. It’s one of my favorite things about the holidays. Rain hits the tin of our roof. It’s cold, foggy, and miserable outside. There’s a chill in the air and the short, dark days make me sad. But, as I gaze at the sparkling tree, I’m reminded that the darkness makes those lights shine brighter. The cold weather makes a cozy sweater warmer and hot chocolate sweeter. It might have been a night like this when a young girl, heavy with child, rode into Bethlehem. The rain misted as Joseph frantically searched for a warm bed to care for his new bride. Pain etched across his face with each rejection. Finally, just when Mary’s hand gripped his arm with another contraction, a kind soul offered them an empty stall in the barn. The smell of fresh hay mingled with the earthy odor of animals nearby. But, it was warm and dry and private. No ceremony or celebrations awaited this child. Just a simple straw bed in an animal trough and torn linen cloth to keep him warm. This is how the King of Kings enters the world. Ordinary, unassuming, and quiet. It is easy to get lost in the desire for perfection during the holidays: the perfect gift, the perfect meal, the perfect decorations. So this season, when chaos threatens to overwhelm you, take a moment to sit in the quiet of a dark room with only the Christmas tree lights shining bright. Smile and remember the lights shine brighter in the darkness. Gift Ideas! What’s on your Christmas Wish List this year?Each year I try to create a Christmas Wish List of all the things I want to do during the holidays. Some things on my list last year were:
What’s on your Christmas Wish List this holiday season? Do you like to see Christmas lights or listen to holiday music? I’d love to hear your favorite family traditions. And, speaking of traditions, we have a unique tradition in our family. JólabókaflóðNo, this isn’t a typo. It’s pronounced (in our house anyway: yule-a-book-a-flude). Literally, it’s a Christmas flood of books. And, no, I’m not making this up.
During World War 2, the only thing Icelanders could afford to give as gifts were books because paper was not rationed. On Christmas Eve, books were given as gifts and the evening spent reading by the fire with warm hot chocolate. I discovered this unique tradition a few years ago and, since our homeschooling family loved reading and books, we decided to give it a try. We exchanged names and bought books for each other along with a tasty chocolate treat to enjoy. The tradition continues and it’s something we enjoy doing every year. Have a wonderful holiday and I can’t wait to connect with you in the New Year! For His Glory, Christy |
Searching for Peace in the Chaos of the Holidays?
