It is unbelievable to think that Christmas Day 2008 has arrived. I am writing this as we are driving to Christmas dinner with Mom & Dad in Indiana. The past days of gift wrapping, baking, and special programs are already a blurred memory as I now watch the icy mid-western landscape zip by through the car windows.
As I can finally catch my breath I wonder have I indeed ‘kept Christmas’ in a way that is honoring to the King of kings? How would one even gauge such a concept? If the measure is being busy with Christmas preparations and events, then I have succeeded.
December began with a local production of Handel’s Messiah at our church. My heart and soul soared even as the music reached its crescendo at the conclusion of the Hallelujah Chorus. The words of scripture became alive with the voices and stringed instruments that day. Our Messiah has come…Hallelujah!
Christmas cards were prepared and sent, and joyfully received. Decorations and gift wrapping consumed large blocks of time as did extra cooking and baking. But, it has become a large part of how I ‘keep Christmas’ for myself, our family and friends.
The best part of ‘keeping Christmas’ this year, however, has been the moments that I have slowed down and considered what Christmas is really all about. Our sermons at church during Advent helped me to keep a correct perspective and enlarged my vision. The panoramic view of Christmas challenged me to consider the Kingdom of God that invaded earth over 2000 years ago in Bethlehem and what the implications are for those who are called to be part of His kingdom even now.
HOPE came to earth that first Christmas and remains with us even now!
Joy to the world, the Lord is come.
Let earth receive her King.
Let every heart, prepare Him room
And Heaven and nature sing.
As I can finally catch my breath I wonder have I indeed ‘kept Christmas’ in a way that is honoring to the King of kings? How would one even gauge such a concept? If the measure is being busy with Christmas preparations and events, then I have succeeded.
December began with a local production of Handel’s Messiah at our church. My heart and soul soared even as the music reached its crescendo at the conclusion of the Hallelujah Chorus. The words of scripture became alive with the voices and stringed instruments that day. Our Messiah has come…Hallelujah!
Christmas cards were prepared and sent, and joyfully received. Decorations and gift wrapping consumed large blocks of time as did extra cooking and baking. But, it has become a large part of how I ‘keep Christmas’ for myself, our family and friends.
The best part of ‘keeping Christmas’ this year, however, has been the moments that I have slowed down and considered what Christmas is really all about. Our sermons at church during Advent helped me to keep a correct perspective and enlarged my vision. The panoramic view of Christmas challenged me to consider the Kingdom of God that invaded earth over 2000 years ago in Bethlehem and what the implications are for those who are called to be part of His kingdom even now.
HOPE came to earth that first Christmas and remains with us even now!
Joy to the world, the Lord is come.
Let earth receive her King.
Let every heart, prepare Him room
And Heaven and nature sing.
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