The specialness of Christmas ~

I love to plan things big.  Now I realize that this sentence makes very little sense but I’m just trying to say that I want my children to have big and elaborate memories.  And that usually takes big and elaborate planning. 

Christmas is one such time that I want to be filled with those memories…extraordinary memories that my children will carry with them all through their lives.  I always plan to make these favorite cookies and those favorite candies.  Oh, and I want to sew this favorite gift and buy those favorite stocking stuffers.

I want the best for my kids as I’m sure that many other parents in this world do.  But do you know what happens to me every Christmas season?

Stress

and then

illness.

Every year I say that I want to keep it simple.  And I really do.  Somehow though I get caught up in trying to make it bigger and better.  The stress heaps on top of more stress until…

I am forced to slow down.  Today, I’m writing this blog post with candy left to be made that might not get made and cookies yet to be baked.  There are sewing projects waiting to be sewn.  My body is broken right now as it fights a cold with a cough that robs me of any sleep.  My body and my soul tell me to slow down.  These little special things that I want to do are good things but they are not what makes this season special. 

 Momo and all the great-grandkids

This season is special because my Father God became man and stepped down onto this earth.  He came in such a humble, simple way to live a holy and pure life.  He did this so that He could die a death that I deserved and he paid the wages for sins that I could not pay.  Three days later, He rose victoriously over death.  He gave His life and He did it all…

for me

and

for you.

 

Today I am reminded that I need to slow down and savor the special love of my Savior.  And I’m reminded I need to share this love with my family and friends.  Yes, I’ll do some sharing through cookies, candy, and gifts.  But most of this love will be shown in a simple hug, a simple listening ear, or a simple smile.

And to you my blog friends,

Merry Christmas!