It’s was the week before Christmas and all through the house, not a Bible was open, not even roused.

This is my own little take on a famous Christmas tale.
I sat in my home the other morning, the sounds of “Frosty the Snowman” rang through the air, and a prick in my heart hit. “You believe in Me and you say with your mouth that this holiday is about Me, but where is the proof of that?”
I rationalized in my own mind, “I went to church and plan to for Christmas. My Nativity is out and the first thing I see. I pray, I read, I show kindness – how is that not enough?”

Then the small, still voice asked, “Did your read my story? Are you having the kids read it and place it in their hearts? Is the gift of My Son the first thing you think of when you make your lists? Where is your focus, Miss? Is it truly on Me or on all you must do?”

I was shamed to tears. I have been so wrapped up in the mess of Christmas plans and things I had to accomplish that not once had I paused to say, “Thank you, God, for sending us the ultimate gift.”

I have struggled this year with all the hubbub and tradition that surrounds Christmas. I grew irritated with the mess of the running. and rude shoppers who seemed to have no clue. I was plagued with sadness as memories of loved ones no longer with us and tragedy assaulted my mind and heart. Lists of all I had to accomplish before the end of the year raised my blood pressure. In all the mess, I missed the reason for this season – We would not have this holiday if not for Christ’s birth.

But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid,  for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David. This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.” Luke 2:10-12

Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what my thoughts on the holiday are or what the original origins were. It’s about a young girl, her husband, a baby, and the God who orchestrated everything at just the right time and place to bring about His ultimate plan.  He wasn’t sent to be a political savior like many of the day thought, but a savior to our souls. To unite us to our Creator and give us hope that no matter what we face, God is with us. Jesus’ words teach us to love others without condition only after loving the Father because we can not know what love is without Christ. (Let’s admit it, that is hard to do but I will save that for another time.)

So, did you keep Him in the forefront of your mind and hearts this year? Are your thoughts on His ways all year around and not just at Christmas and Easter? If not, I ask that you join me from this point forward to not just keep Christ in Christmas but in your whole year.

I hope and pray your holiday season has been full of blessings with family and friends. If it was a heartbreaking time, I pray you find peace in the midst of the storm and the love of God, who sent His son to us, is felt through your sadness.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!