So what will it all mean on December 26?
Do you ever look back and wonder where all the time went? Or how did another Christmas season escape you?
Every year many of us find ourselves pining for a “do over” when it comes to the Christmas season. Often we have either been so busy in well-doing, or simply just too busy. But the Christmas season can lead to anticlimax and regret if we don't find ourselves disciplined and intentional about what's really important.
Here are some of the things I know I've promised to do differently in the past:
- Take more time for reflection
- Take more time with family
- Say “No” to busyness
- Spend less money—generosity can turn into buyer's remorse and even regret when the bills come in
- Take a fresh look at the Christmas story, and its very personal message for me
But ultimately what can and has happened, even with the best of intentions?
- The demand on time—busyness—overwhelms and time slips away
- The allure of commercialism and misplaced generosity wins out
- Christmas becomes routine or worse, a time of increased anxiety
- December 26 arrives and nothing has changed
We've spent a lot of time thinking about expectations in this issue of Insights. But I can't conclude without asking, what does God expect of me this Christmas season? This is what comes to mind after some reflection:
- Enter into the season with an expectant heart; God's about doing something
- Be quiet enough to reflect, listen, and be in wonder
- Be humble enough to not get caught up in the distractions
- Be earnest enough to tell this great story to someone else
That's my personal list. Yours may be different. Let's make a commitment to one another not to let December 26 arrive with regret.
Just a thought…
