Christmas Already??

Christmas is in six days… what?? As I am sitting here writing, I am in shock thinking about Christmas being less than a week away. Also, I am a little shocked that it feels like it is early fall outside with this high sixty degree weather. This warm winter weather is confusing and I don’t know if it’s just me, but it is definitely throwing off my jolly holiday mood. Not to mention, I have only watched Elf like three times compared to the regular amount of times I usually watch it, which is like fifteen… On top of those things, I also have not shopped or even been in the mood to Christmas shop.  I have been so distracted by this new job, school, and this odd, but beautiful, weather. On the contrary, I feel as if this unfamiliar warmer weather is a way of God telling not only me, but also everyone else, to slow down and not focus so much on the shopping and giving of expensive gifts. I think He may be telling us to focus on what really is important and what Christmas is truly about, the celebration of the birth of our King. If this weather and distraction filled season has been as hectic for you as it has been for me, you will probably understand where I am coming from in this realization. A lot of people have turned this season, that is meant to be about thankfulness and praise, into a stress filled time of chaos.  If God has to make the weather crazy for us to realize this, then so be it.

I have thought on and off about whom I will buy/make presents for, but usually I forget and get carried away with other tasks. Once I begin to think about the presents again I begin to wonder if I am even supposed to be spending money on things or if I should be doing something greater with my money. As I prayed and pondered God revealed to me that gifts only have earthly values, and we cannot take them with us to heaven anyway, so there is no use in buying a bunch of things people may not even like. He showed me that time and love is a precious gift that people will treasure and a wonderful way to spread the love of Christ. With this, I decided to make meaningful gifts for those closest to me and for others I will donate my time and love. I have been volunteering at the woman’s shelter in downtown Nashville on Sundays and helping run the program, Room in the Inn, at my church on Thursday nights. From doing these things I have gained so much joy and have been blessed to meet and be touched by some of God’s most beautiful creations. Even though it took God keeping Tennessee warm for me to slow down and realize Christmas is more than gift giving, it has been more than worth it. I am beyond thankful for this warm weather (especially being a native Texan) but even more because I have caught a glimpse of how our Savior sees Christmas and being able to be apart of it has been amazing.

I personally encourage you to take a moment to think about one way you could impact someone’s life besides giving them a gift and then going out and doing so. You have no idea how rewarding it is and who knows… you could even lead someone to an even greater gift like eternity with our King.