The Need to Pause and Remember

With the busy season of Christmas fast approaching—or perhaps already here!—I felt the need to pause for a moment and reflect on what the season is really all about, or should be all about. Oh, I know that’s not a new concept, it’s just that the general approach to this important and yes, sacred time of the year seems to be anything but what it should be.

During this season Santa has often been given credit for providing a holiday away from work and a chance—or an excuse—to get that special something; and sometimes this season is seen as an opportunity for partying beyond the norm. Either one falls short of the real reason why the Christmas season is upon us and Who we should be celebrating. Now, don’t get me wrong, our kids enjoyed the fantasy of a jovial fat man with a white beard in a red suit who brought them toys, and countless times we’ve enjoyed gathering with friends over a meal during the holiday season. But is that what it’s all about, focusing on ourselves and neglecting to acknowledge the Who of Christmas?

Truth be told, it’s easy for us to get caught up in the distractions of the season, such as the man in the red suit or the next party to attend. And when we add the accelerated growth of our everyday to-do list, all of a sudden the season has become a hectic time that can leave us exhausted. Rather than place our focus on the Babe in the manger, we are caught up in a self-induced frenzy of shopping, never really knowing just what to buy.  Too often at the end of a long day we find ourselves battling an emotional and physical roller coaster when our to-do list didn’t get done. We have become so preoccupied, so easily distracted by the demands we put on ourselves as we “rush here and rush there” that we tend to forget to focus on Whose birthday it is. (If you’ve noticed, I have pluralized the pronoun: we. I’m just as guilty as the next person and felt the need to pause and remember.)

We have a wreath on the front door of our apartment that is a reminder of the real reason for the season. Each time I look at it, I smile. It’s a simple reminder of the “Babe born for us in a stable.” And as it’s a reminder for me, I can only pray that it might cause others to pause and reflect on how they view Christmas and what it’s really all about!

A friend posted the following on her Facebook page and I have taken the liberty of sharing it here. The author is unknown, but whoever it is, I’m confident they would be pleased knowing it was being shared so freely.

WHO STARTED CHRISTMAS?
This morning I heard a story on the radio of a woman who was out Christmas shopping with her two children. After many hours, looking at row after row of toys and everything else imaginable, and after hours of hearing both of her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with her two kids.

 The elevator doors finally opened and there was already a crowd in the car. She pushed her way in, dragging her two kids with her and all the bags of stuff. When the doors closed she couldn’t take it anymore and stated, “Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up and shot.” From the back of the car everyone heard a quiet, calm voice respond, “Don’t worry, we already crucified Him.” For the rest of the trip down, the elevator was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.”

Don’t forget this year to keep the ONE who started this whole Christmas thing in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word: JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON.

There you have it…why we must remember to focus on the real reason for the season: Jesus Christ, Saviour and Lord.

But we must never forget in the rush and the hurry,
In the planning, the baking and oftentimes fury
The real reason why we gather ‘round our tables
Is to remember a Babe born for us in a stable.
Fulfilling ancient prophets’ long ago words
‘His love knows no measure. He’s our Messiah, our Lord.’
He brings Peace on Earth, and we must never waver
But open our arms and make room for our Saviour.

(A verse from Prepare Him Room written in 2010)

Although a little ahead of time…Doug and I wish you a blessed and Christ-centred Christmas!