Tomorrow's the big day. And tonight's the big night for little ones anxious for a visit from Santa! I don't know about you and your house, but my house is stirring with excitement! I woke up today to two little faces peeking in my doorway flashing ornery chocolate-covered smiles, quickly followed by "Can I tear the 2 off? Can I tear the 2 off? (referring to our Christmas countdown chain)!"
For me, today will be filled with finishing last minute details. Cooking, cleaning, wrapping, assembling, and more are all in the order of the day. I'm even making a sure-to-be hectic trip to Walmart before they close this evening - something I don't think I've ever done. (Wish me luck!)
But this Christmas season has been very different for me this year. I have never anticipated Christmas day like I am this year, except for maybe as a young child. But it's not the same kind of anticipation. Yes, I am excited to see my babies' faces full of joy over their excessive perfectly appropriate amount of presents. Yes, I'm excited for wrapping paper covered floors, a too-full belly, and a cup of eggnog. And I'm excited to participate in my in-laws' Christmas traditions for the first time since my husband and I have been married. (This will be our 5th Christmas as a married couple!) But that's still not it.
This year I have read, reread, and studied the Christmas story from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke like never before. I also participated in an Advent Bible Study which was all about staying focused on Jesus. I truly feel like I am about to witness a miracle tomorrow and see the Christmas story unfold first hand even though it happened so long ago. I have never felt so close to the story and experienced the joy and hope it offers like I do now.
This is what it's about.
I've always known the reason for the season is Jesus Christ, but now I feel it. I pray you feel it too! If you're not quite feeling the joy and excitement you want to feel this Christmas, I urge you to read the Christmas story. Really read it. Find a quiet place, light some candles, and pray for your heart to be opened and that God will make each word you read come to life.
Read Luke 1:26-56, Matthew 1: 18-24, Luke 2:1-21, and Matthew 2:1-12. I promise you will be blessed if you do!
Merry Christmas!
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