Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Relishing the Joy

My family had a wonderful Thanksgiving. It was great to have the house filled with the giggles and squeals and laughter of children. My house is awfully quiet now and the Christmas sprint has started. Actually, going Christmas shopping with my husband is more like speed skating.

 There is a lot to do before Christmas and I'm starting to feel the familiar stress and pressure. But I'm resolved to keep my mind focused on Jesus and not get overwhelmed. To take it easy and enjoy the simple delights of the season, the lights and music and memories. To do what I can and not worry about what I can't. To remember the reason for the season is to celebrate the birth of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

"For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on His shoulders. And He will
be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace", Isaiah 9:6. NLT

I'm hoping and praying that the Prince of Peace will bless every aspect of your Christmas season this year. Stop and smell the spruce. Stop and see the sparkle of the Christmas lights. Stop and feel the velvet smoothness of the ribbon lovingly tied on the packages. Stop and hear the beautiful words of the old carols.
Stop and taste the sweetness of the cookies and the tartness of the apple cider. And above all, keep Jesus Christ in the center of your heart all season.

7 comments:

  1. Nothing like the peace that comes from Him. Praying what you're hoping for is sent right back at you and your family. God bless.

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  2. Peace...ah...the perfect gift.
    I try to out off my list everything that overwhelmes me. We really don't have to do it all. Let's all say that together as we head out to the shops...we really don't have to do it all...we really don't have to do it all. Can you tell I need to repeat that to myself? ;) Actually, I've reduced my list to our immediate family of four, baking for neighbors, SOME extended family and friends, and cards/tags for bloggy friends.
    Blessings.

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  3. On the same page today with you Peggy. One of my Dec prayer declarations is that He is center stage.

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  4. Starting to feel the stress as well. I've been saying I need to make a list of the details, but I've not yet taken the time.

    Time to make the list... today.

    Blessings and peace to you as you begin this Advent walk.

    ~elaine

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  5. Wishing you the gift of peace too Peggy. God bless.

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  6. no matter how much I manage to get done ahead of time I seem to stress as December progresses. I think I am learning to live with that and allow it to be part of the season. Does it make any sense to not get so stressed about being stressed? but that is how I feel!

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  7. Peggy thank you for sharing on such a topic. Blessings to you dear one.

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