Do you find you have all of the best intentions in the world of keeping Christ the focal point of Christmas only to find the days flying past and before you know it Christmas is over and you have barely taken a moment to say, "Happy Birthday, Jesus"? I enjoy reflecting on the gloriously wonderful birth of Jesus. I like to look at my nativity displays and listen to the sounds of my favorite Christmas tunes. One of my very most favorite is, O Holy Night.
Tonight I enjoyed the smells of cookies baking and listening to the laughter of my oldest grandchild as she laughed at me and grandpa singing along with every song on the "county commercial" to sell you all the "best" country songs ever, from the 50's and 60's. I believe she called me a human radio. It is those wonderful simple things in life that bring me the most joy. How about you? Let's do everything we can to keep Christ the center of Christmas and give Him the glory and worship He deserves. When it is all said and done, Jesus is the reason for this or any other season.
My favorite Christmas memory is the memories we made when Jeff and Chrissy spent their first Christmas together as husband and wife on the thirteenth floor of Queeny Tower at Barnes Hospital. Jeff was undergoing 2 months of continuous chemo treatments for leukemia. It was a horribly frightening time but in the midst of all of the treatments and sickness, despite the uncertain outcome, we had the most amazing Christmas. Tom, Melissa, Jenny and myself went to Chrissy and Jeff's apartment and gathered all of their gifts together to deliver them to his hospital room along with a small tree and much love. We did not stay long, we make the long walk from the car across the bridge from the parking garage to Jeff's room looking a lot like elves. The look on their faces and the brief moment of normal was worth it all.
We weren't sitting down to a lavish meal that someone had spent hours to prepare. We did not spend large amounts of money to purchase gifts that no one needed and probably would not like, we did not even spend the evening at the candlelight Christmas Eve service. We spent it with those we loved and Jesus was at the very center of that night. We all knew we could do nothing to change the course of the days ahead. We were then and are still today, in the palm of His hands. I will never forget that night (well unless my memory goes), it was a magical night filled with unspeakable love.
We have several in our church who are experiencing the loneliness of being hospitalized during the holidays. Please remember to lift them up in prayer during these days.
Have a wonderful Christmas season. Take time to stop, smile, and focus on Jesus and His amazing birth, life, death and resurrection. I love that the story never ends. If you need some inspiration listen to or better yet sing, Silent Night. It is a sure way to slow down.
In January we will begin a new book study. The books will be ordered next week. Please contact the office or comment on the blog to let us know if you want us to order one for you.
Be sure to check out Gail's post, it is worth your time. Merry Christmas, Marilyn
Thanks so much for posting this, Marilyn. Jesus is definitely the Reason for the Season and should be celebrated all year long. I loved that you shared that Christmas memory. It is a precious one indeed.
ReplyDeleteI usually try very hard to focus on Christ and to put more emphasis on family time around Christmas, because it goes by way too fast and is way too busy, if you don't control it. This year, Christmas has snuck up on me and I have not had much down time to just sit and reflect. I am hoping to make a conscience effort to stop and slow down. I want my kids to have some good memories for this year.
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ReplyDeleteDarn, I deleted my comment some how. Marilyn, thanks for sharing this with us. Isn't it amazing that the Christmas you remember the most is the one that Christ needed to be real and close in a tangible way.
ReplyDeleteLet's do pray for the MANY who are dealing with health and illness at this time. I think of Bev who is at the doctor this morning. Elisa, Betty and so many more.
Brandy, you are in the midst of raising a young family. It is a crazy, busy time for you (there are advantages of getting older, Ha!). One suggestion you could do is before the kids all go to bed, turn all the lights out except the Christmas tree. Let the kids read parts of the Christmas narrative in the different gospels. Simple and straight from the word of God. :)
Thanks Marilyn for sharing your memories with us and helping us to concentrate on what is really important during the holiday season. We need to focus more on Christ, who is the reason for the season, and not so much on the business of the season and all we think we need to accomplish. We need to slow down and enjoy our families more and realize what is most important in our lives...not having to be here and there and keeping busy in things that will not last. Merry Christmas ladies!
ReplyDeleteI would like you to order the book for me.
Oh yeah, I forgot. Please order a book for me.
ReplyDeleteIt was a true Christmas focused on Jesus. The worldy idea of Christmas was no where to be find that year. It's sad that sometimes we have to be in the midst of the most trying times to stop and reflect on what is really important. We should be loving those God has given us to love and just enjoy being together and giving to others that need it a whole lot more than we do. Thanks Mom for the example and courage you gave me during that time and for raising me to realize that Jesus is the reason for the season and that God's grace is sufficient.
ReplyDeleteThanks Chrissy, I am in tears and you know better than anyone how hard that is for me. I am so proud of you and the way you have handled the curves that have been thrown your way. God has proven Himself sufficient time and time again. I love you.
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