What do you do when your “perfect” holiday isn’t going as it should?
When it takes more energy than you have just to make it good?
 
When your family is separated by distant hearts or long miles,
And all you can feel is tears, instead of smiles?
 
When you look for that perfect gift that just doesn’t exist
Or your fudge just won’t set right no matter how you persist.
 
When your favorite movies don’t make you want more,
And the books don’t move you like they all did before.
 
When the music falls flat and the bells just don’t ring,
And you just aren’t feeling the songs that you sing.
 
When the parties and services fail to fill you with joy
And your heart is too burdened to laugh and enjoy.
 
Your car breaks down, and your washer quits too.
Your water goes out, and you think your boss hates you.
 
When all your expectations of a perfect Christmas fall through,
How can you celebrate? What more can you do?
 
First, STOP with all the stuff of the season.
Remember the meaning, the source, and the reason.
 
It’s not the shopping or baking or watching or singing.
It’s not the tree lights or eggnog or bells sweetly ringing.
 
It’s the babe who was born, our Lord, King and Savior.
This tiny sweet boy, asleep in a manger.
 
His first Christmas fell short too, in most every way.
His room was a stable, his bed made of hay.
 
No parties or bows to celebrate the birth
Of the Master and Creator over all of the earth.
 
Yet He came anyway, to save His creation,
To live and to serve, then die for the nations.
 
But He rose again in triumph and glory
So that we could be saved and tell others the story.
 
The babe in a manger, born one starry night,
Now a king full of glory and power and might.
 
So, if your Christmas is full of hurt and sadness
May this message fill your heart with joy and gladness.
 
That first imperfect Christmas
Was made perfect because of Jesus.
 
No gift will ever be better than the One God has given,
His Son, wrapped in flesh, come down straight from Heaven.
 
No song will ever be sweeter than the one angels sang:
“Glory to God in the highest,” their praises rang.
 
Christmas still comes to those who will seek,
To the lonely, the sad, the lost, and the meek.
 
May you accept His gift of love and salvation
And let your heart be aglow in perfect celebration.

   I am seeking a meaningful Christmas this year. What do I mean by that? A Christmas that is full of meaning (of course) and light and renewal.
    I need that, especially in 2020. I need a soul-cleansing, heart-mending holiday. I need a time of joy and growth and hope. I need to feel secure in something that will not change, regardless of the uncertainty and collapse of society, government, and mankind.
   The message and meaning of Christmas does not change. Its purpose and promise cannot be shaken, no matter how much my personal life and the world around me quakes.
     It doesn't matter what happens now. It doesn't matter what they say. It doesn't matter what they tell us is true or false. Jesus was still born as a tiny babe to a virgin and her obedient husband. He was still worshipped and glorified by angels on high. He was declared to humble shepherds who had to go see Him for themselves. He was still visited by wise men from the east, bearing gifts fitting a King. He still came. It happened. Nothing in this present day can change that.
      And that's why I can still celebrate Christmas, even in a time of chaos and change. What a comforting thought that in the last few weeks of a turbulent year of tests and challenges and hardships, we can stop and remember that first Christmas and what it's all about. We can be reminded that this life--in all its brokenness--is not what it's all about.
     Christmas will always be Christmas. Even stripped of its social gatherings, family traditions, and holiday shopping, the meaning is still there. In fact, this year we might see the light of its meaning shining even brighter than in past years, because we may not have as many distractions.
    So let's take advantage of this time. Slow down. Take a breath. Reflect on what it's all about. Let it cleanse your soul and renew your spirit.
     I'd love to know what makes a meaningful Christmas for you! Comment below what makes your Christmas a time of joy.
    Thanks for stopping by and spending a few minutes with me during this busy month. May we experience a season full of peace and renewal...
     In His Grip!
    Crystal