Twas the Night Before Christmas
Is everything calm in your house?
Are the stockings hung, stuffing prepared, dessert planned, or are you baking or wrapping at 1:00 in the morning, stressed to be ready for Christmas morning.
A remember this exact scenario where my mom and I baked until 1:30 am. I admit, it wasn’t a fond memory. I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and silently asked myself – is this necessary.
Most of us go out of our way to ensure Christmas Day is perfect. Decadent delights, gourmet dishes you’ve never prepared before, a table setting that screams Christmas patterns and colours, and a Christmas Tree that bewilders. However, is it worth the fuss? It is after all one calendar day. So why do we push ourselves to the extreme to make it extra special. It isn’t what God wants. He wants to bless you with His peace.
Everything about the birth of Jesus is simple and peaceful. There is no Christmas Tree, or numerous gifts you can’t afford, or the anxiety of it being perfect.
How are your nerves at the end of the day?
Did all your hard work and efforts bring the joy you expected?
It reminds me of a video where the wife is lighting the candle on a beautifully decorated table setting, she’s checking her list and smiling, as all tasks are completed. Wearing her pristine Christmas apron, she turns to answer the door, unaware she isn’t wearing any pants.
Can you relate?
I’m a Martha who loves to have everything organized and perfect. However, I’ve learned that Christmas isn’t about perfection, it’s about presenting yourself to God, flaws and all. As this is the main reason Jesus was born. He became a man to be sacrificed for your salvation. He is the gate and open door to heaven.
Through Him...
You receive mercy
Kindness
Peace
Hope
Connection to His Heavenly Father.
This is all God wants from you. He doesn’t want to see you spending money on exuberant gifts you can’t afford, pulling your hair out on Christmas Day because you forgot something at the grocery store and its closed. All He wants is for you to pause in wonder at the miracle of His son’s birth. To remember how Mary travelled between 70 to 90 miles over mountainous terrain. (I can’t imagine travelling this distance by foot at nine months pregnant.) Yet, this is where God led her. To a manger and into the arms of Joseph, who delivered baby Jesus. Details seldom contemplated. However, this truth depicts the simplicity of God.
God doesn’t want the stress, or complications you place yourself in to celebrate the birth of His son. He wants you to rest in His peace. To remember how much He loves you:
“I am the creator of all. I knit you in your mother’s womb. There is nothing I don’t know about you. I love you. Every inch, corner, eye lash, strand of hair, I love you. I am in all things and in you.
You are my greatest joy.”
I was reminded of these words written through the Holy Spirit on the vastness of God’s love for you and me. His love isn’t measured in a measuring cup, it’s endless, unconditional and simple. He loves you, flaws and all.
This Christmas pause and consider how God wants you to celebrate Christmas.
Listen to His words.
Ponder them in your heart.
Hold onto His peace.
Philippians 4:11-13
I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances...I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
God Bless,
Hi, I’m Cathy.
A blogger, photographer, author, passionately driven to pointing people away from new age indoctrination to find redemption in Jesus Christ.
I’m a mixed blend, excited to share all I offer...
Blog-Twisted Roots
Do you find yourself asking questions about new age, whether the practices and beliefs are leading your soul to redemption?
As a reformed new ager, I was saturated in the belief I could co-create with the universe and manifest a life of abundance. But I was deceived. This blog is to point you to the truth of God’s words and how He perceives the new age indoctrination. It also highlights other areas to inspire and encourage Christians in their walk of faith.
Prayer Journals
To help you in your journey, I created Prayer Journals, to build a closer bond with Christ Jesus.
As you grow in your faith, it’s important to dedicate time to be with God in prayer, a quiet space to meet with Him, and invite Him into your daily thoughts. In doing so, you will experience His peace and presence in every aspect of your life.
Fine Art Photography
I always dreamed of being a professional photographer when I grew up. It was a journey to reach this goal. When the opportunity presented itself, I knew it was time to fulfill my dream.
I owned a home-based studio for over a decade but have been shooting images for two decades. Now, semi-retired, I have a collection of my most cherished images of landscape or fine art available for wall décor.
