'Tis the season for Christmas lists and Christmas shopping. The older I get, though, the less I want, and unfortunately, the things I do want tend to cost more. (Yes, I'm working on that whole need versus want issue.) So this morning I decided to make a list of what I do not want.
1. I do not want fancy food on fancy dishes. At Christmas I don't care what we eat or how we eat it. I care about whom I am eating with.
2. I do not want to think about who is missing. Though I miss them, they wouldn't want us feeling sorrowful on Christmas. It's a joy-filled time to remember God's gift of His Son to the world, not a time to sink into what-ifs. It's simply not about us—at all.
3. I do not want to run from one event to another. Because ain't nobody got time for that! (Sorry, former English students.)
4. I do not want to think more about what I am getting than what I am giving. This year I want to be like my brother-in-law who forgets he has presents in front of him because he is enjoying watching everyone else open theirs.
5. I do not want to give glory to Santa instead of glory to Jesus.
6. I do not want it to end. I love the tinkling of the Salvation Army bell outside of stores, the warm smiles in public, and the Christmas cards in my mailbox. My heart melts at the sight of sparkling Christmas snow and the way the Christmas lights, street lights, and even the stars seem to glimmer a little brighter.
Merry Christmas, everyone. I hope you get what your hearts need this Christmas: peace, joy, and love.
1. I do not want fancy food on fancy dishes. At Christmas I don't care what we eat or how we eat it. I care about whom I am eating with.
2. I do not want to think about who is missing. Though I miss them, they wouldn't want us feeling sorrowful on Christmas. It's a joy-filled time to remember God's gift of His Son to the world, not a time to sink into what-ifs. It's simply not about us—at all.
3. I do not want to run from one event to another. Because ain't nobody got time for that! (Sorry, former English students.)
4. I do not want to think more about what I am getting than what I am giving. This year I want to be like my brother-in-law who forgets he has presents in front of him because he is enjoying watching everyone else open theirs.
5. I do not want to give glory to Santa instead of glory to Jesus.
6. I do not want it to end. I love the tinkling of the Salvation Army bell outside of stores, the warm smiles in public, and the Christmas cards in my mailbox. My heart melts at the sight of sparkling Christmas snow and the way the Christmas lights, street lights, and even the stars seem to glimmer a little brighter.
Merry Christmas, everyone. I hope you get what your hearts need this Christmas: peace, joy, and love.