Heart to Heart
Family Christmas photo – check
Christmas cards ordered – check
Christmas newsletter – in the works
Christmas baking – good news: there’s a baking exchange on the 14th
Christmas tree up & decorated – check
Outdoor Christmas tree lights hung – check
Christmas gifts for loved ones – still need to be wrapped
RSVP for the FAC Christmas Banquet – by Dec 6th
Planning to go to the High Mileage Christmas Party
Preschool Christmas concert – happening on Friday…
My list may not look the same as yours, but I guarantee it’s got a lot in common. The calendar is maxed out, the budget is feeling the strain, and between Black Friday sales & Cyber Monday deals (not to mention Giving Tuesday – see below), it’s hard to keep focused on what matters most.
One person suggested that we exchange “presents” for the precious gift of “presence.” Wrap your arms around someone who’s feeling blue or lonely vs wrapping something to go under the tree. Let the joy of the LORD overflow from your heart, into the lives of those feeling discouraged and desperate. Give away generous amounts of Christmas cheer and bless the overworked retail employees with kind words of gratitude. Think of how rich Christmas becomes, when we make it about giving ourselves away in service to others vs “what’s in it for me?”
I love Advent because everywhere you go, they’re singing our song – classic Christmas carols that celebrate the Savior’s birth. Without Jesus, there is no reason for the season; hope deflates like a cheap balloon. But here’s the good news: God’s patient, steadfast love for this fallen, broken world dealt us cards of “mercy & grace” rather than “judgment & wrath.” His kindness and patience lead to repentance (a change of mind), followed by a changed heart and a change of direction (Romans 2:4). Jesus came so that we might have the opportunity to embrace this life change.
May your Christmas list include time for heartfelt celebration & gratitude to the One who left heaven to pitch His tent amongst us (John 1:14). Gaze at Christ’s glory and give Him the praise and obedience that belongs to Him alone.
Joyfully celebrating our Wonderful Savior, Jesus Christ,
Adriaan & Diana - Merry Christmas from our family to yours