Last night, I had a moment where I allowed myself to dread the quickly coming, and lets face it, already here, Christmas season. I was tired, hungry, and just making it home on a dark, stormy night.
I started thinking about all of the things I have to accomplish in the next few weeks: preparations for Children's Choir musical I am direction, practice for said musical, presentation of said musical, preparation for my sister's wedding, preparation for being out of town and out of work because of my sister's wedding, memorizing choir music, singing in three other Christmas worship services, doing my job, hosting a party at my home, hosting a party at work, attending a wedding other than my sister's, buying wedding gifts and Christmas gifts, and somewhere in there, I have to find time to get a Christmas tree up and figuring out decorations for my first Christmas in my new home.
Whew! I was overwhelmed, and I honestly wanted in that moment, to crawl in the bed and hide until December is over. But thankfully, the ever present Holy Spirit did not let me dwell in that moment for very long. A thought crossed my mind: I wonder if Mary, in that last month before the birth of Jesus, ever had feelings of dread? I have never been pregnant or given birth to a child myself, but I've learned from friends that the last month of pregnancy is not exactly sunshine and roses. There is discomfort, loss of sleep, fear mixed with anticipation, and the need to accomplish everything before the baby is born. I bet Mary felt all of that. And on top of this, it was during that last month she had to make the trek to Bethlehem! While she anxiously anticipated what was about to happen, I would guess that anticipation was laced every now and then with a good dose of dread.
But I wonder if Mary then remembered the promise the angel gave. "For nothing is impossible with God." Nothing is impossible. The preparations will be made. The pain will be manageable. The busyness will halt. The people will stop talking behind her back eventually. The baby will be healthy. They will find a place to rest for the night. All of those things will fade away in light of the birth of the Christ child.
Last night, in that precious moment with the Holy Spirit, I remembered the promise the angel gave Mary. Nothing is impossible with God. And in that moment, the dread disappeared. I love Christmas. I love it all, but for some reason, this year seems to be a scheduling nightmare. There's so much to do in so little time. And being the perfectionist I am, it must all be done perfectly. I was reminded that all of that stuff is nothing in comparison to the wonder of my Savior's birth. Sure, I can get lost in all of the hectic mess of my crazy life, or I can choose to find joy, peace, and hope in the celebration of the birth of my Savior, what all of that busyness is about anyway.
May you too avoid the dread of the season and be reminded this Christmas of what really matters. Also, if you find yourself caught up in the busyness of life and you feel a bit overwhelmed, remember nothing is impossible with God!
5 years ago
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