(Isaiah 9:6, NLT)
For a child is born to us . . .
Christmas time is not always easy, especially for those grieving the death of someone they love. I have a grieving friend that says that all the decorations seem . . . well . . . dumb. Another grieving friend feels that cheery greeting cards are . . . well . . . incredibly fake. And, yet, another grieving friend finds all the shopping and cooking . . . well . . . a ridiculous use of energy and resources.
While, the tradition of decorating, greetings, shopping, and cooking can bring pleasure to people; it will never produce the peace which comes through the presence of Christ. The perception of what matters changes after we experience loss. Those who grieve discover a stripping of thought, emotions, and actions. When all is said and done, loss enables individuals to see what really matters.
Take time to look through the “stuff” of Christmas.
What really matters?
Determine what you are willing to lose in order to more fully experience the presence and peace of Christ . . . He came simply as a child . . . willing to put all of His power aside that the world might know something more than the traditions of decorating, greetings, shopping, and cooking.
Learning with you to lose some traditions in order to gain more of Christ,
Shalom,
Kerrie
