Hurry here, hurry there! Everywhere I turn there seems to be hurry.
The roadways are congested, the grocery isles have pile ups, and all I can say is it seems we have pushed a button that is counting down the days while we race to complete endless to-do lists that are all about Christmas. Well, at least the Christmas we have grown accustomed to celebrating.
Slow down, pause, rewind and remember.
Rewind with me to that very first Christmas…the shepherds were simply keeping watch over their flocks when the news arrived that Jesus was born. Simply tending to their flocks, keeping their regular routine and great things occurred.
In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them…and the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:8-11
I’m not sure the 25 days before Christmas was ever meant to be filled with so much activity. Three years ago I began preparing my heart for the celebration of Christmas by doing an advent study; a study of God’s word that taught me to wait with anticipation. A time to prepare my heart, to see His goodness in the Word, and in the wait; a time to watch for His hand at work. It took eliminating some things to make this my way of preparation, but I’m reminded that the shepherds were simply “keeping watch over their flocks” when the news arrived that Jesus was born. Keeping their regular routine without cookies, presents, and lights. They waited. They watched. And the Good News of a babe born in Bethlehem came!
Let’s slow ourselves down this season and…
- Slow down and watch over your flock (just our daily routine)
- When the to do list is the size of Santa’s list, pause and ask yourself what can be marked off.
- Rewind and remember that simple leaves room for the awareness of His presence.
In the wait, soften the noise of the world, and look for The King.
Listen for His voice, wait for His hand to move in your life, expect beautiful things and don’t miss them when they are right in front of you. Please understand that I’m not suggesting we toss all of our Christmas traditions out. Just that we slow down, pause, and remember to keep our focus on Jesus.
The King is still performing miracles. Let’s not hurry past a single one of them this Christmas~ Jodie
