CHRISTMAS TIME

Wow! Is it that time already? Of course, we are reminded each year way too early, or at least we think to ourselves, why must the retailers be so persistent in putting out Christmas decorations before we’ve even digested our Thanksgiving dinner? I use to let this upset me, but now I’ve changed my mind and find it much less irritating. Actually, it’s not irritating at all. No matter how early I think I’ve gotten started with preparations for this day of all days, it always approaches faster than I thought it would. So, why should I mind those ornaments and red ribbons being displayed back in October when all the time I’m thinking, I can use all the help I can manage with these subtle reminders of a jingling bell just outside my local Wal-Mart.

It also starts me thinking that it is up to me to make this a time of happiness, when I could so easily make this a time of dread, and focus on all the sad things that may have happened during this past year. It’s pretty easy for me to be quickly carried away with true happiness when I hear giggles and cheers of joy, and see smiling faces from children, mostly from those that belong to me. But you don’t have to be grandma to be quickly transported to feelings of embracing joy at this time of year. All you have to do is open your eyes and really look. That’s the easy part. When you do, I promise you’ll see it. Just look at those sweet little smiles that tell you that all is still right with our world. No matter how bitter the news reports and stocks are plummeting, we need to remember to set it all aside. Those are only temporal things; the things that truly matter in our lives and mean the most this time of year are our relationships with one another. When circumstances have changed; what we will remember, is did we make that phone call to a loved one that was nearly starved to death to hear from us? Did we spend time with those little ones that will remember this time of year and the time with us forever? Did we take time to tell our neighbor that we were glad they lived next door?

Through our Lord, He has given us the Grace to get it all done and glorify Him as we go about our tasks for this busy season. Will we choose to let Him direct our paths over the next couple of weeks, or will be run around hurried and frazzled complaining about the crowds and how much we have to accomplish. It’s up to us!