Pre-Christmas blues

What follows is a message I shared with the ladies of Parker Chapel who attended a Christmas brunch that I hosted in my home on December 14, 2024::

I had completely lost my Christmas joy about a week ago, I was caught up in my attempt to make everyone’s Christmas day happy, especially the grandchildren under 7 years old. My daughter, who lives in Hawaii, told me of 3 things her two young daughters wanted for Christmas and asked if I’d like to get them. I loved the idea of buying them gifts they actually wanted—and they weren’t even that expensive. Using Amazon, because shipping is free, I set about ordering their gifts. I included other items I hoped they would enjoy. If I were sending these gifts to someone on the mainland, they should have arrived in 2 days. Because t was Hawaii, only one item would arrive in time for Christmas. I canceled he entire order, feeling nearly panicked. I had just spent several hours shopping, hours lost to me when I had other things scheduled for that time. It seemed awfully inconvenient to have Christmas come this year.

The following day my friend Judy, who lives in Pennsylvania, called me to chat and catch up with each other’s life. I told her about my wasted effort and frustration. Judy had just returned from sharing an encouraging devotional time with a mom’s group of young Christian women. She said she shared on this very topic.

Judy paraphrased John 10:10, when she said:

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

I have often thought that it was a cruel trick of satan that Jesus must compete with Santa Claus, and not even Christians are immune to his schemes.

We must be very intentional in our decision making, especially during this time of year.

Here I was, stressed out about presents when I could have been in a peaceful state of well-being, basking in his presence.

Because I was not intentional and careful, I had lost my peace and joy. God used Judy’s words to me that day to pull me off the edge.

So, I want this time together today to be joyful, fun, to be a respite from our to-do lists, and to remember what and who we are truly celebrating.

Isaiah 7:14 says:

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Then, Luke 2:8-14 says:

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

It is peace and joy that Jesus offers us today and every day. It’s up to us toeceive his gift with praise and thanksgiving..