Christmas is a glorious time. I love the decorations, music, and festivities. I love receiving Christmas pictures from friends and family. However, it can also feel overwhelming. The meaning of Christmas can get lost in the decorations and gift giving/receiving. This year I'm feeling burdened by all that I need to do. Every day life feels very full so to add the "to do's" surrounding Christmas seem impossible at times. Then I was directed by a friend to Ann Voskamp's blog last night. I want to share an excerpt from her blog that struck me and has made me stop and think. I found the excerpt below here.
Whenever Christmas begins to burden, it’s a sign that I’ve taken on something of the world and not of Christ. Any weight in Christmas has to be of this world.
Christ came into this world as grace to lift all the weighty burdens.
Christ the Babe comes to us in Christmas as Christ the Savior comes to us on the Cross — seeking only our embrace.
The list on the counter looks long.
What if I laid down efforts and expectations, perfectionism and performance?
What if I breathed deep and simply waited with arms and heart and eyes wide open?
What if Christmas was the season to letting go of to-do lists adding up — to receivewhat’s coming down?
Love comes down.
Christmas, it isn’t a product to wrap but a Person to unfold into our lives. What can I say no to today — so I can say Yes to truly more of Him?
Love comes down.
Christmas, it can’t be bought. It cannot be created. It cannot be made by hand. Christmas can only be found. Found in the person of Christ.
How can I slow today… slow in the midst of the holiday hustle… and simply do what Christmas is all about — finding more of Christ? How could this Christmas be about quietly, lovingly, looking for Christ?
Love comes down — O Come Let Us Adore Him.
love ann voskamp. been reading this blog for a couple of years now. her book, one thousand gifts, is amazing!
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