Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. I have so many fond memories of family gatherings, exchanging of gifts, picking out and decorating our trees, and, of course, all the magical childhood Christmases awaiting Santa’s arrival. It’s all just so special. But it’s easy to get caught up in the hype of it all.
Especially as a mom, it can be hard to stay focused on the true meaning of this holiday. I am so consumed with buying gifts, staying on budget, keeping up with everyone’s hectic holiday schedule, cooking and baking for various celebrations, and keeping the “magic” of Santa alive and exciting for my girls.
But then a certain Christmas carol comes on the radio …
When I listen to the words, I slow down a bit. When I listen to the words, I’m overcome by gratitude and joy and peace in a way that I can’t explain.
Maybe the carol is “Little Drummer Boy,” a beautifully simple reminder that God gave me the incredible gift of His Son, and He’s calling me to give Him all that I have. The material things don’t matter, but the condition of my heart means everything to Him …
Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum
A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,
So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
When we come.
Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum
That’s fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,
Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum,
On my drum?
Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,
Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum.
Or maybe it’s “Oh, Holy Night,” a convicting reminder that I NEED Christmas … not the hype and commercialism and materialism that it has become. But the birth of a Savior who, because He loves me more than I can even fathom, came to earth to do what I could never do for myself …
O Holy Night
Oh holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviors birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt it’s worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
Oh night divine, Oh night when Christ was born;
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
Oh night divine, Oh night when Christ was born;
Oh night divine, Oh night, Oh night Divine.
Maybe you follow an Advent calendar that encourages you to stay focused on your faith throughout the Christmas season. Maybe your church has service opportunities or gatherings to help keep the focus on Christ and serving others who could never repay you.
Whatever it may be, embrace it. Embrace that Christmas is all about God sending His Son into a sinful world to save our weary souls. The gifts and the money and the food and the schedules don’t matter as much as we sometimes feel they do. They are all wonderful traditions that my family and I enjoy, but that’s all they are – traditions.
This Christmas season, please listen to the words. They are beautiful and meaningful and so full of hope. Be reminded that God is a personal God who loves us so much that He sent His Son to take on our sins so that we may have eternal life with our Heavenly Father. That is what Christmas is all about. And I pray that God will continue to lay that on our hearts, not only during this season, but all year long.
