This is a re-post from last year. I'm reposting it, because this year, instead of just pondering what Christmas would be like if we did things differently - I'm experiencing it. And oh, how wonderful it is! More on that later, but for now, here's a poem that I wrote last year when God was really beginning to awaken my heart to the reality of Christmas. I hope and pray that this would encourage you to seek God's heart above all else this season - as we celebrate His Amazing Love!
Ribbons, bows, and shiny wrappings too
add to the chaos; dampen the Good News
Too many things done because we have to
another item checked off the list of things "to do"
no longer are gifts something given joyfully
the receiver expects them these days, you see
children waiting on what they will find
on Christmas morning, when they open their little eyes.
will they get what they wanted?
what they asked for? what they dreamed?
will their feelings be hurt
if they do not recieve?
rather than giving to those in need
we're selfishly motivated
and our kids learn our old schemes
The thought of Jesus' birthday
never crosses their little minds
even if they are reminded
by parents quite a few times
what makes us excited about this time of year?
is it the cold or the Christmas cheer?
or the presents we've received year after year?
How do we let God enter in and draw near?
Do we dare to be different?
Do we dare to make it real?
I wonder just how much better
Christmas would feel
If we dropped all the baggage
this time of year brings
and simply focused on the reason
we Celebrate these things.
out of love for us, God gave his Son
his birth led to the death
that gave us salvation.
Remembering that
should simply be enough
so why in the world do we need all this stuff?
get rid of the lights, the candles, and the like
and remember that God saved us
from an eternity of strife.
because of his love for everyone -
even me
He came so He could set us free!
what wonderful news
to human, fallible souls
as hard as we try
we can't do it alone.
And yet the One, who on this day
we all claim to adore,
gets lost and forgotten
just like the years before
so instead of the wrappings,
the ribbons, the bows
lets start telling the story -
the way it truly goes:
Jesus came
he's all we need
and with the angels
we'll be praising Him for eternity
if only we believe that He is THE way
Now THAT's something to Celebrate on Christmas Day!
