Dec 16

Written by:
12/16/2010 10:55 AM 

Sigh...why do I let my oil lamp go out, fume about too much to do, throw up my hands when my kids rub each other wrong or when my dog keeps me up all night? Why do I let my heart grow heavy and fall when it needs to be in prayer and why can't I keep watch for just one hour? Who keeps the vigil this Advent and why am I not the Virgin with the lamp, vigilant for Christ? Why is it that the ways of this world consume our innocence?

 

Whenever Christmas begins to burden me, it's a sign I've taken on something of the world and not of Christ. What if I laid down efforts and expectations, perfectionism and performance, and simply waited with arms, heart and eyes wide open? Christmas cannot be bought. Christmas cannot be created. Christmas cannot be made by hand. Christmas can only be FOUND. Those who live life slow carry an extra flask of oil filled with joy for their lamp and only those who live life slow can see it. The slower we take the days of Advent, the more places we will find Christ and Christmas and the Light that warms us.

 

So, I ask you and I ask myself these questions. This Christmas, will we take part in the left lane of life speeding frantically while passing Advent by, feeling anxious about the burdens of this world? Or will we take part in the right lane of life's highway enjoying the journey with peace in our hearts while enjoying the ride before the destination? 

 

Into lengthening shadows, will we choose to let our brazen candle flames burn, ready and waiting while we prepare ourselves for the unexpected? Sure, the hours can bungle and the Bridegroom can be delayed while young and old children whine, the pancakes stick, work piles up and the dust lays down over everything like a veil-and yet simply slowing can we choose to ignore it all to see a vision.....?

 

In the creche, in the cradling trough, in the mire, stench and unexpected let us choose to see only one thing.  In that vision let us realize Christ isn't a product to wrap but a PERSON to unwrap and a Light to be found who can fill our hearts with eternal joy and peace. 

 

Keep your loins girded and your lamps burning ~ Luke 12:35 (Amplified Bible) 

 

Merry Christmas!