'Tis the season for falalas, hohohos... and frustrations. It's amazing how a season as happy as this can make people constantly irritated or upset. People are dealing with the financial frustrations of having to buy too many gifts with not enough money, lines are unbearably long everywhere, decorations need to be put up, an overwhelming amount of gifts still need to be wrapped, relatives are all together and driving each other crazy, the tree is somehow already dying, and there sometimes seems to be no freedom from the chaos happening. When we are supposed to be Cindy-Lou Who, we look a lot more like the Grinch.
It's time to find the merriment of the season once again.
I love Christmas. It is my absolute favorite time of year. I love Christmas lights, snow, everything red and green, ugly Christmas sweaters, cookies... Pretty much anything that says "Christmas." I'll admit though, I've found myself in the Grinch mood. I was running around, trying to last minute gifts and decorations. I forgot my card so I had to drive home to get it right when I had gotten to the store, had to stand in multiple long lines, and deal with other cranky customers.
Then I met someone who reminded me that this season is so much more than what I was making it to be.
I left Target, frustrated that I couldn't find exactly what I needed. I met someone who was selling small gifts so they could buy their own children presents for Christmas. I felt terrible, because I had no cash I could give to them. A long story and a good urging from the Lord later, I ended up buying a gift for them to give to one of their kids. I don't say this because I want to show off what I did, but because the Lord taught me a valuable lesson through it.
I asked to pray for them before I left. After I finished, they told me something I will never forget.
"The gift was good. The prayer was the best."
That day, I was focused so much on purchasing the perfect gifts and getting all the decorations done that I was losing focus on what really mattered. Christ wasn't born so we could have Santa and some great presents on Christmas morning, though those are awesome things that we get to enjoy.
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
This season is about love, first and foremost.
It was love that sent our Savior here.
It is love that we need to send to our neighbor.
It is love that needs to come first.
Merry Christmas, everyone. I hope everyone finds love and joy this holiday season.
