God2Share

Christmas is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year.

But truthfully, holidays can be stressful for many families.

The hustle and bustle, the financial strain of buying gifts for everyone, preparing extravagant meals.

And the dreaded question:

Who will we spend time with this holiday?

If you are married, divorced or even dating, you know what it is like to have to split time between households and family members.

It can become a source of conflict and controversy amongst loved ones.

And visits and conversations that are brief leave you with the feeling of wanting more.

It is hard to focus on just one person.

Coming from a large his, mine and ours family, I have seen this scenario play out repeatedly over the years.

I keep my expectations realistic, knowing that I may only get a few precious moments with loved ones.

But moments like these are the greatest gifts.

This past Christmas, I got a beautiful treasure from my niece.

We had breakfast together at our favorite little cafe.

And over coffee and avocado toast, she shared her life and her heart with me.

One of my most cherished moments this Christmas.

These are the treasures that mean the most, being in the presence of loved ones.

Mary understood this well.

When Jesus came to her home, she was not worried about gifts or preparing an extravagant meal.

She simply wanted to focus on one person: Jesus.

Mary wanted to hear Him share His heart.

But this was the source of conflict with her own sister.  

“ As they went on their way, they came to a town where a woman named Martha lived. She cared for Jesus in her home.Martha had a sister named Mary. Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to all He said. Martha was working hard getting supper ready. She came to Jesus and said, “Do You see that my sister is not helping me? Tell her to help me.”Jesus said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. Only a few things are important, even just one. Mary has chosen the good thing. It will not be taken away from her.”  Luke 10: 38-42

Friends, sometimes we choose busyness over sitting at the feet of the One who gave us the greatest gift we have ever known.

He only asks for us to be present with Him.

Start right now.

Take time to be present with Him today and in the new year.

It is the greatest gift we can offer the One who gave us His all.

Every year, we gather our friends together for birthday cake for Jesus.

It has become one of my favorite traditions.

We started when our kids were pretty small.

Now, some of them are in college.

And they all still gather around as my friend tells the story of the Savior’s birth, using our Nativity set with a plush Joseph, Mary, and the baby Jesus.

Afterwards, we light the candles on the cake and sing Happy Birthday to our Savior.

Mr. Lord (yes, that is his real name) always asks the group this question as he narrates the story.

What did the angel say to the shepherds as they tended to their sheep?

Do not be afraid!  

They all shout out the same answer.

For as many times as they have heard this story, they know this answer by heart.

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2: 8-11

The shepherds must have been fearful, having something appear out of nowhere.

Yet the same response appears repeatedly throughout scripture.

Do not be afraid!

I have thought of this phrase so many times this week.

Sometimes things appear out of nowhere.

A new health diagnosis or illness.

The unexpected loss of a loved one.

A financial burden.

The approaching holiday can make us feel anxious or worried.

Especially if we feel like hope is lost.

But Christmas is when hope was born.

It is the reminder to not be afraid, because we are not alone.

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which means God is with us.”  Matthew 1:23

I don’t know about you, but I need this reminder daily, not just at Christmas.

Friends, whatever we are facing today, God is with us.

Do not be afraid.

I pray our children keep that answer always tucked in their hearts.

I pray that you do as well.

Amen.