'Tis The Season To Be Stressed Out

'Tis the season to feel hurried, harried, and generally stressed out. For some, it's become so stressful, that they're rather not celebrate Christmas at all. When did "Ho, Ho, Ho," become, "No, No, No!" When did the season become one to be dreaded?

Maybe it was when we decided or someone insisted, that the celebration needed to be perfect in every way: the perfect gifts, the perfect tree, the perfect dinner. Maybe it was when we forgot the original meaning of the celebration, when we unconsciously decided to go with the Three Kings instead of the Christ Child.

We appear to be following the Three Kings who brought gifts to the Holy Child instead of celebrating the gift of that Child. What would happen if we decided (with all due respect to the Kings) to follow the Child instead of the Kings?

Perhaps we would feel blessed instead of hurried, harried, and stressed. Perhaps we would slow down and be content with small gifts, a nice tree, and a just right dinner. Perhaps the season would become one of childlike happiness.

The gift of any child is precious. God's gift of the Christ Child is even more so. Let's take time to remember the "reason for the season" and follow that Child into a different way of celebrating His birth.

Put the Three Kings in the back seat. Allow the Christ Child to be the driver. Make this Christmas season one of peace and joy.

Remember Christ this Christmas

It's that most wonderful time of the year--again! Christmas is coming, and for many of us that means lots to do: mail cards, shop for gifts, plan parties and other special events and much, much more. The activity of the season can bring great joy, but our joy is incomplete if we do not take time to consider the spiritual significance of the season.

Christmas is a celebration of God entering the world in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus shows us that God is gracious and loving and desires peace and justice for all people.

In the midst of all the activity of this season, why not set aside some time to thank God for the gift of Jesus and to ponder what his presence means for you. Here are some questions to stimulate your thinking: When have you experienced God's love and grace? What nations and peoples need peace and justice today? What does it mean to follow Jesus? How can you help bring peace and justice to others?