The neighbors started putting up their Christmas decorations in mid-November, and you know what? I was totally fine with that.
Maybe some other year I might have been muttering under my breath about waiting until the Thanksgiving leftovers are put away before moving on to the next holiday, but this year?
I need a little Christmas, right this very minute.
I need decorations and cookies and wish lists and Santa Clauses. I need greenery and Advent candles and nativity scenes and stockings hung by the fire. I need holiday movies and Salvation Army bell ringers and shoeboxes filled with gifts for children on the other side of the globe. I need white elephant gift exchanges and carols and hot cocoa with peppermint sprinkles.
I don’t need this all at once, mind you, and not all in my own home. But I need it. This year, more than any year in recent history, I just do.
There’s no getting away from the challenging circumstances of life or all the feels that they can bring up at any moment of the day or night. But instead of dwelling on all that, all the time, I want to notice the sights and the sounds of the season. I want to drink in the joy and the wonder. I want to participate in the peace and goodwill.
I don’t know what that will look like. There’s a good chance it won’t look like much, actually. But that’s not the point.
The point is Jesus.
Societal efforts to commercialize and secularize Christmas—as frustrating as they may be—can’t negate the fact that our Savior’s birth was, is and will always be the real reason for the season. If there had been no baby in the manger all those years ago, there would be no Christmas today. It’s that simple.
And this year, especially, what I’m loving the most about the actual Christmas story is that Jesus didn’t rescue us from a far. He became flesh and made His home among us.
He is Immanuel—God with us. He is right here, right now. He has come to save us, guide us, comfort us, convict us, love us, strengthen us.
He’s not just the reason for this season. He is our reason for hope in every season.
♥ Lois
Jesus isn't just the reason for this season. He is our reason for hope in every season. Share on XP.S. I’m linking up this week with Purposeful Faith, #TellHisStory, Coffee for Your Heart, Chasing Community and Grace & Truth.
24 comments
Dear Lois, I pray Christmas, with all its trappings and treasures will permeate your world. That they will warm and soothe your soul and spirit, bringing new depths of joy and peace. Sweet blessings, Sweet Friend XOXO
Aw … thank you so much, Alice. Not-so-long distance hugs and blessings to you this week!
Lois, I feel I need a little Christmas too this year. For the first time ever, we put our tree up before December 1st! May the joy of the season cheer and encourage your heart, friend. May you experience something of Emmanuel.
I hear you, Betsy. The trees are going up earlier, the lights are burning brighter, the carols are playing longer. And I love that Thanksgiving came early this year so the Christmas can last even longer! Thank you for your encouragement, my friend … and many Christmas blessings to you and yours as well!
Oh Lois, 2017 *has* been quite a year for you, hasn’t it? I’m sorry it’s been such an exhausting year. I love that you’re embracing the season, rather than wishing it away. I think we all need a little Christmas these days. Agreed…what a gift His hope is all year through. May this season lighten your heart, friend. xoxo
Thanks so much, Brenda. Yes, it has been quite a year, but being part of your online community has been a blessing in the midst of it all. I’m grateful for you and your heart, my friend!
Hi Lois … I’m trying to catch my breath after two weeks of the highest highs and lowest lows.
The Christmas cards are ordered … and that’s about it. After a few days of quiet, I think I’m ready to jump in to all things Christmas-y.
And yes, yes, you said it well. Jesus is here with us. Right now.
Blessings, friend …
Aw, Linda … life just keeps coming, doesn’t it? The highs AND the lows … I hear you, my friend. I’m praying that you will sense God’s peace and presence every step along the way this Christmas season.
Lovely as always! I just need a little Christmas today, too! Blessings, friend!
Thanks so much, Liz. I hope this season is full of peace and joy for you, my friend!
“And this year, especially, what I’m loving the most about the actual Christmas story is that Jesus didn’t rescue us from a far. He became flesh and made His home among us.” I love this truth! What a blessing that He comes in close to save us. He walked among us. His feet got dirty. Ahhhh the best reminder of Christmas! Stopping by from Tell His Story.
I’m so glad you stopped by last week, Erin. Here’s wishing you and yours a lovely Christmas season! 🙂
Yes, some years I’ve been a real crusader for keeping Christmas inside the December calendar squares, but for some reason this year it’s been a relief to just slide into joyful practices that make Jesus more visible in my home and in my world.
Blessings to you, Lois, as you navigate this season and all the challenges to peace your facing right now.
Oh Michele … I know what you mean about the relief of “sliding into joyful practices that make Jesus more visible.” I’m so thankful this year, of all years, that Thanksgiving was early so we have what feels like an additional week to the Christmas season … I just want it to linger longer! Christmas blessings to you and yours, my friend!
Awww, Lois. I love this post. Sometimes, we just need the comfort of the special aspects Christmas offers. I especially loved what you aid here:
“Jesus didn’t rescue us from a far. He became flesh and made His home among us.”
I’m praying for you and your family during this Christmas season. Hugs, friend.
Thank you for your prayers, Jeanne. I totally agree about needing the “comfort of the special aspects of Christmas.” I look out at all the houses on my street that are already fully decorated and I get the feeling that people are really craving that this year … and I love it! Hugs and big blessings to you, my friend!
I always need a little Christmas. That’s why I keep a JOY sign and a creche on permanent display in my office. There’s a Santa on my kitchen counter all year where I count down the days of Christmas 365 days a year. And I do it for all the reasons you gave in this beautifully written post. Love it.
Aw, Debbie … I love all those Christmas touches you keep up all year! Especially the creche in your office … what a great idea. 🙂
I love that all the commercialization and secularization of Christmas can never negate the true Reason for the season and for hope in every season! I want to drink in the joy and wonder of it all with you! Love and hugs to you, Lois!
Same to you, my friend! Happy December and a merry Christmas season!
Now the song is stuck in my head! Could be worse : ) Thanks for this, Lois. I appreciate that secularization and commercialization can’t negate the simple truth. He is our Hope, and He is with us!
Enjoy your celebrations : )
Ha ha … sorry about getting that song in your head, Bethany! I just noticed your Christmas series on Twitter … I’m looking forward to reading your thoughts about finding contentment this holiday season. 🙂
I know what you’re saying, Lois! I need some Christmas right now, this very minute. My trees and lights aren’t up yet, but the Christmas CDs and a spruce oil diffuser are giving just the touch of Christmas I need, along with my Bible study. Blessings to you!
Your touches of Christmas sound lovely, Sarah. A little bit does a long way, doesn’t it? Hugs to you this week!