So, I truly believe that I am the sane child in this photo. You see, there is simply nothing normal about forcing a child to sit on a strange man’s lap, especially when the strange man is dressed abnormally. If you look closely, you will see that my brother knows that I am right. His forced smile gives it away. He is thinking, “geesh, my sister sure does seem to be losing it. Maybe I should be a little scared too.” You see, I am the wiser child.
Oh the wonder and joy of Christmas! If you are like me, you find yourself in the midst of tradition, laughing at family memories, making lists and checking them twice, shopping, baking, and trying desperately to live in the moment and not allow the season to simply sprint on by. Boy, I can sure make Christmas about me, myself and I.
Christmas is about Jesus. Nothing more and nothing less. It is about the Savior of the world, God incarnate, born in a lowly, humble stable. A tiny baby boy, wrapped in swaddling clothes and placed in a manger. The innocence of His birth with the weight of sin and salvation resting squarely on His shoulders. God’s perfect Son born in God’s perfect timing. Filled with God’s perfect grace. No, Christmas is not about me. It is about Him. Jesus.
Live this Christmas with Jesus front and center. Live this Christmas filled with the hope, joy, love and wonder that He brought into the world. Find Jesus this Christmas and let Him fill you with warmth and light: in the midst of the chaos; in the midst of grief; in the midst of illness; in the midst of tradition; in the midst of memories; in the midst of the list; in the midst of shopping; in the midst of your circumstance. (Even in the midst of a strange man abnormally dressed.) Yes, Jesus deserves our best thoughts, best words and best deeds. His entrance into this world that day in Bethlehem makes this life bearable and His grace changed everything.
Be merry and hopeful!
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 NIV
Love, Faith and an Angel Dog 