A few mornings ago, in the wee hours of the morning, my oldest, Emily came in to snuggle. She had a bad dream and needed some comfort and a back rub. I indulged her, of course. I thought I might get to have a bit more shut eye, but my sweet girl was chatty.
Amid the sleepy conversation, she relived her recent birthday. We had quite a bash; friends, family, cupcakes, games, balloons, presents and a sea of candy that we are still trying to subdue. It was just what she had hoped for and was telling me so… and then she asked me,
“Mommy, do you think Jesus is looking forward to his birthday this year?”
She fell back asleep and I was left alone, wide awake to think. And I have to tell you, I’ve been thinking about it ever since. How does HE want me to celebrate?
What kind of birthday party would He want me to plan? Do I do it up right? or is He disappointed? Does He like the hustle and bustle? Does He enjoy all of the blatant commercialism, perpetuated in His name? I wonder if He is happy with all of the business and fast paced holiday style that ends up leaving Him as an afterthought for a few minutes on Christmas morning?
This morning, I came across a Scripture passage in our advent study, that helped me to organize my thoughts about all of this a little better. It gave me some perspective on how He might want me to celebrate.
Luke 2: 8-20
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”
From what I can gather, if I have any hope of doing Christmas right, it will include worshipping and praising God, following the angels lead. I’ll spread the word to those who don’t know about His coming, like the shepherds. And the most difficult part for me: I’ll take time to quietly treasure Him and His goodness in my heart, the way Mary did.
From society’s perspective, that does not sound exciting, does it? But it sounds wonderful to me… I think He’s telling me that He wants to celebrate by spending time with those who love Him and by me sharing His love with those who don’t know Him yet. wow. If I could just follow this model with my own Christmas plans, our family’s holiday season would be so different.
Dear Jesus,
Help me to make this a birthday you’ll take note of – one that will show you just how much we love you. Its my prayer that you will be blessed by the party we throw for you this year.
amen.
daily portion 