Unwrapping Christmas Joy

{Meditate on the Meaning}

It's amazing how a sight, smell, or sound can instantly transport a person back in time. One whiff of fresh-baked bread and I am in my mother's kitchen as a girl anticipating the first bite of homemade goodness.

Sunday afternoon, as I was unpacking Christmas decorations, I was reminded how heavy my heart was last year. It was as if I could feel the weight of my sadness all over again. I caught myself staring at the ornaments recounting my desperate emotions. With embarrassment I must admit that I didn't want anything to do with Christmas. Instead, I nursed my pain as I watched others joyfully experience the traditions that accompany the holiday - traditions my oldest son, because of his many symptoms, cannot handle.

I was angry that my life wasn't as I had planned it to be. And the holiday season seemed to escalate all my emotions. While my feelings of pain were valid, it didn't help that I focused only on my own situation and struggles and not on the purpose of the holiday. I will not let it happen again.

I want to celebrate the birth of the baby that marked the fulfillment of so many prophecies.

I want to rejoice in the very Word of God coming to earth to share the good news and save us.

So, this week I am going to mediate on the following scripture...

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God... And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:1-2, 14

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. Micah 5:2

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Already, as I relive God's gift to me through those words, I feel my spirit lift.

{...full of grace and truth... ruler... Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace...}

Please join me as I rejoice over the promise of a Savior fulfilled.