I distinctly remember a conversation I had a few years ago with a friend where she casually asked me how my Christmas was. I confessed to her that I missed Christmas that year. I LOVE being in ministry and feel called to devote my life to it but its no secret that this calling comes with some sacrifice and sometimes family and holiday season warm fuzzies are among the few things we miss out on. In the hustle and bustle of gift buying, Christmas parties, program rehearsals, service rehearsals, ministry functions, school events, service opportunities etc the whole Christmas season blew right on past me. This year I am determined to not let that happen. Sure our schedule is still hectic and probably not as nostalgic as your holiday might be but we are creative enough to find ways to make it our own and cherish every minute we have together.
Its seems that Someone upstairs supports my attempt at “focusing in” this Christmas b/c our church just started a sermon series that shatters the cartoon image we have of the nativity scene and teaches us the nitty gritty of the Savior’s birth, which I am loving the depth of! One of our pastors, Greg Kirksey, taught this past week about how the wise men came all the way from the east (a journey that takes years by foot) seeking the Savior when they were told of His birth. When they arrived in Jerusalem (a suburb of Bethlehem) and asked for directions to the newborn King the people, 10 minutes away from the stable He was born in, had no idea who they were referring to. Then the other day I read a devotional titled “Missing Christmas.” In the devo they wrote, “In Scripture, many others missed Christmas too. We are told that Bethlehem was sleeping, Herod was jealous and afraid, and the religious leaders were busy and filled with unbelief. But many people didn’t miss Christmas: the shepherds, the magi, Anna, and Simeon, Why? Because they were still, they were listening, and they were waiting for Him.”
Sometimes thats how Christmas can feel to me: I am in the services, singing the songs, donating the items but am I seeking? Am I missing HIM in the midst of my busyness just like the religious leaders of Jesus’ time? Well not this year. This Christmas I am waiting, anticipating, seeking and celebrating the humble birth of my Redeemer those many years ago. This moment in history changed my life forever and this year I want to remember.
