Preparing For Christmas | Just Breathe

The air crisp and cool, the stars glitter above- tiny pinpricks in the curtains of heaven. Houses and  shrubs shine,  alight with hundreds of twinkling bulbs a dazzling display. In the distance, a Christmas carol is sung by a tiny voice...

While others stroll by, phones pressed to their ears. Dashing into this store or that. The child alone stands and admires the display. His tiny fingers wrapped around his daddy's hand as he talks into the phone- paying no attention to the child. Around him everyone hustles and bustles, rushing to one sale or another.

He alone notices the beauty, of the dazzling lights on the cold winter night. His breath rising above him, his little nose bright red from where Jack Frost had planted a kiss, as his grandma always said. He alone tasted the magic, as he gazed in wonder at a Christmas tree. He alone is filled with an unexplainable joy at the sight of that tree and all it represents. He alone is drawn to sing, his voice hushed as if frightened to disturb the moment, nature itself hushed as if leaning in to hear the song better as everyone else continued on their way, caught up in last minute to-do's that are sure to make Christmas great.

Stop... for just a moment. Stop. Take a breath, listen to the song, take in the lights and the ornaments. Enjoy it, if only for a moment. Relive old memories... make new ones.

Christmas was never meant to be about the latest and greatest. Over the years, we have com it to the point where stores pull out the 'Christmas stuff' in July.  Because of it, one of my friends told me she doesn't celebrate Christmas because it was just another day for companies to make money. It's become like the day after Thanksgiving instead of the birth of our savior. A day to find how fast you forgot what you said you were thankful for. A day to get more stuff. I think the saddest day of the year is Black Friday. Because it truly shows where our hearts are.

So this year, don't get caught up in the 'need' to buy the latest electronic or game or toy. Just breathe. Take time, read a book, sing a carol or two (even if you are off key) enjoy the music, the lights, and your family but most importantly celebrate the birth of our savior...

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us, And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

It truly is the most wonderful time of year.