I almost forgot this year.Â
I knew Christmas was coming, of course, but this year has just been so exhausting that all I could think about was, “I can’t wait for the time off.”Â
And that was pretty much the extent of it.Â
Until yesterday as I was driving to pick up Paul from the office and this Christmas song came on with a refrain where the voice of a small child is reading this:
And the angels said fear not for behold
I bring you good news of a great joy that shall be for all people
For unto you is born this day a Savior, who is Christ the Lord
And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace
It was almost shocking, the realization that I have not thought about this at all this year. With stressing over gifts and donations, worrying about various get-togethers, and dealing with all the other operational issues surrounding this holiday, I’ve almost felt like Christmas has been just another obstacle I have to “get through.”Â
It’s embarrassing to admit this, but I forgot about Jesus.Â
Forgot that this is ALL supposed to be about Him. That without Him, none of the rest of it would matter.Â
It was kind of like a gentle slap in the face from up above.Â
One that I desperately needed just two days before Christmas.
Today will still be spent wrapping presents, checking on Paul’s Christmas roast and packing for LA, but I’m not going to let myself get bogged down in these chores.Â
Because now I feel it…that old Christmas spirit…the wonder of the miracle of the birth of a Savior. Amazed that as imperfect and broken as I am, I have a Father in Heaven who loves me enough to send His perfect Son to earth to die…for me. How can you not be blown away by that realization?Â
So on that note, I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas! I know I plan to!