By Ginny (MAD21)
It's easy to get weighed down this time of year. But honestly, I think it is a time that we need to seriously prioritize all the things we think we need to get done. This is a time when we should be free to truly enjoy the coming celebration on December 25th.
Our family plans long in advance of December. We purchase gifts throughout the year that we know people will love and save them for Christmas morning. As a family, we also make the majority of the gifts for the adults in our lives (yummy applesauce with special details in the wrapping). We feel that doing this teaches our kids a number of things: anticipation is a good thing; always keep others in mind and what might make them happy; delayed gratification; and the true joy in giving a thoughtful gift.
But finishing the shopping early does more than this for our family. It allows us to relax and enjoy all the wonderful things that happen around us during the holidays. We can really rejoice in all the fun and beautiful things that happen in December, and makes it so we can honestly reflect on who Christ is and was and what he did for us. It also helps to take the focus off of us (me-me-me!), and onto others who might need a little help to make the holidays wonderful for their families.
"Rejoice in the Lord always! I will say it again, Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4)
Just as a child is full of anticipation for weeks before their birthdays, we should also be filled with the anticipation of being able to celebrate the most important birthday: that of our Savior.
"Let the heavens REJOICE, let the heavens be glad... Rise up and praise Him!"
This post is a participant in a blog carnival over at Peter Pollock's place.
Be sure to go and check out what everyone else wrote on: Rejoice.