With four short weeks between the two holidays, how could anyone possibly add a long to-do list to his/her already busy schedule? Decorating a tree and house, shopping for family, friends, teachers and co-workers, wrapping gifts, sending out Christmas cards, hosting/attending parties, visiting extended families, baking yummy cookies, watching Christmas movies, driving around and looking at lights, and attending Christmas programs are just a few things that take place before December 25th. Whee! I'm out of breath just thinking about what all takes place in such a short amount of time. What happens when sickness or an unexpected event occurs during the race? The pace begins to slow down to a crawl and anxious thoughts and feelings can easily fill ones mind because he/she "needs" to keep running - there isn't anytime to slow down.
Sadly, I hear so many people say that Christmas time is their least favorite holiday because of how crazy, busy things tend to get. There is truth to that, however, it breaks my heart to see how we (Americans) have turned Jesus' birthday into a mad dash to the finish line - forgetting the true reason for Christmas.
What's the solution? I'm not sure, but I do know that the more time I spend with the Lord asking Him what's important and what's not - the more my eyes are open to what HE wants and there is less of Karla running around like a crazy woman trying to keep up with the Christmas race.
The verse, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10) is one scripture that I have to keep close to heart throughout the year but especially throughout the Christmas season in order to stay focused on what's important. God doesn't say to stay busy, busy, busy and try to do everything under the sun. Instead He wants us, He wants our time, He wants our thoughts and praises.
How much of you, your time, your thoughts, and your praises have you given to Him this Christmas season? Or have you been BUSY running the race? He is waiting for you.
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