Once upon a time, I used to be the queen of over-commitment, especially during December as I prepared for Christmas. It felt like I stood at an imaginary starting line, and as soon as I flipped the calendar page, I was off and running — the December dash!
I had jam-packed my daily planner with so many events, you could hardly see any white space. Kids’ Christmas programs, church events, and never-ending to-do lists filled up my calendar, obscuring my vision of what truly mattered. Hanging an ornament on our Advent tree each day brought a tightness to my chest and shallower breathing. Single-digit shopping days left… Panic mode set in–and I couldn’t find any Christmas simplicity and joy.
Of course, I was singing in the Christmas choir and participating in the neighborhood cookie exchange, an annual tradition. Forget about the old standards like chocolate
Photo by Gareth Harper on Unsplash
chip or peanut butter cookies. Let’s talk about jam-filled tea cookies, chocolate-dipped peanut butter balls, or iced sugar cookies with colored sprinkles. My kitchen resembled a Martha Stewart test kitchen gone awry.
The Reason for the Season
Thinking about it makes my head spin. By Christmas Day, I was usually frustrated and exhausted, barely able to enjoy the celebration. This routine continued for many Christmas seasons, until I finally decided to step back and reflect on why I was pushing myself to accomplish the impossible. I learned to take a deep breath and accept that I can’t do it all — and I’m much better off if I don’t try.
So that’s why I’m sharing this story. The tendency to get caught up in a frenzied pace by mid-December is still a challenge. I need a reminder of the quiet simplicity of this season so I can hear the age-old message once again.
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14
Finding Christmas Simplicity and Joy
Immanuel — our God is with us. If we can pause long enough to listen, we will hear the invitation that beckons us to come, to wait, to get ready for our coming King.
No doubt, December will be as busy as ever with gifts to purchase, trees to decorate, and carols to sing. But this Advent season, I pray that amidst everything contending for our time and attention, our hearts will be moved and our senses sharpened to rejoice in God’s greatest gift.
Have a beautiful, blessed Christmas!
