There are 7 things I love about Christmastime that help us start a New Year right.
- The Birth of Jesus
- Mornings by the Tree
- Deadlines
- December 26th
- Everyone Home
- A Time to Look Back & Forward
- God Speaks
In the early or not-so-early mornings, I spend the first moments of each day by the Christmas tree, in full view of the mantle with all its trimmings. I look out the window at the blue barn doors and the glistening tree on the back porch. Thankful and quiet, I think about all we’ve been given, humbled and grateful for the gifts.
It doesn’t take long for the to-do list to emerge. It’s as if my pen goes straight from thanking God to the things that must be done. Without a deadline, I’d keep shopping. Decorating. Cooking. And that means, spending! So ready or not, Christmas comes, and I HAVE to stop. This is brilliant for people like me.
December 26th is my favorite day of the year, and everyone in my family knows it. On the 26th, there is no to-do list. Everything’s marked off and there is absolutely nothing to do but enjoy. We cuddle by the fire, watch movies, and tinker with our new toys.
Each morning I think about what was and what may be. In the final days of December we get to look forward to an unknown year with hope and faith. God speaks to my heart in these moments. I know He can do that any day of the year, but at Christmastime I think He’s a big ‘ole softie and a little more sentimental about it all.
The Birth of Christ, of course, is the reason for the season, and I can’t imagine doing Christmas without understanding all that it means. Jesus’s birth symbolizes renewal, regeneration – and eternity with God.
When we put our faith in Christ, we are reborn as a new creation.
Walking with Jesus as the Lord of our lives is the most beautiful way to live. It is fresh with possibility and marked by awe and wonder. We are stunned by Grace. Renewed by Mercy. Strengthened by Faith. We are Known. Seen. Loved. Redeemed.
Between Christmas and New Years, our family heads to the ranch. The boys hunt, we make chili, we work on the property and become co-Creators. Whether it’s an old bone we find on the path, a wild root we dig up, or dead trees we drag to the burn pile, we get to carve and shape the land to make it all the more pristine.
As I sit on the back porch and watch the rain this morning, I think about the direction I’m heading and seek Him for His counsel.
The New Year is coming, ready or not. Don’t let the to-do list take over, and don’t go your own away. Seek His direction. Get alone with God and wait for His voice. Put tomorrow in His hands. and He will never lead you wrong.
For just as He came as a baby, He will return as a King – and only He knows the deadline.
To read our 2020 wrapup for U R More as we look ahead to a New Year, click here.
May you find the peace and stillness only His Spirit can bring,
Yours,
Jen
About the Author: Jennifer
