Have Yourself A Peaceful, Little Christmas . . .

I could feel the panic rising in me. The fear that “it” wouldn’t all get done. That “it” wouldn’t all be perfect. That someone would feel let down. My kids had been sick for going on two weeks. Christmas parties were missed. Plans cancelled and changed. My days focused on comforting sick babies (okay not exactly babies . . . but yeah . . . ) and disinfecting and then disinfecting some more. Cans of Lysol . . . Gallons of bleach . . . Towels, and sheets, and blankets all washed then washed again for good measure. And the daily chores? The normal daily cleaning, and cooking, and running of the house? All but forgotten. So how on earth would I get caught up for Christmas? I was not keeping it all or even a little together. I felt like that particular train had derailed about 10 miles back.

Christmas time . . . the most wonderful time of the year . . . Christmas time . . . the most stressful time of the year.

But then that still small voice broke through the loudness of all that was happening.

“For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Christmas time . . . the most beautiful time of the year . . . not because of anything any of us can do. Not because of gifts or family or parties . . . all of which are wonderful and well and good. But because of Him. Because of a Savior come to earth as a babe and laid in a manger. Perfection in human form.

“His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace . . . ”

Christmas time . . . the most peaceful time of the year if only we’ll let it be . . . because amidst the busy-ness and bustle, the loudness of the season, He wants to be our Prince of Peace, our place of calm in the crazy . . .

May you have the Merriest of Christmas remembering why we celebrate.