9 Days Until Christmas!

I am stopping to take a deep breath and enjoy this morning. My friend, Anne, sent news that her mom suffered a stroke yesterday. It makes me know that all my running around, making sure everything is just right, is not going to change the outcome of Christmas if I remember why we are celebrating. It isn't about the house looking just right, about the cookies turning out perfectly, about the presents being wrapped like in a department store, or anything of that sort. It is about the people that we share the season with and the REASON we are together in the first place.

Luke 2:9-11 "And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord."

The lasting Joy of Christmas is found when we receive the hopeful promise, and never let go. And that is why, for so many, Christmas comes too quickly, and leaves in the twinkling of an eye. You see, God didn’t bring us good tidings of great joy, just for a day, or a week, or a season, but for our whole life. God didn’t come because we were ready, because we were prepared, but he came, because our lives are not perfect, we have often lost our way, and we need a Savior.

I have everything I need, right now, in this moment.