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Christmas Checklist: A pondering by Holly Woodbridge - December 22, 2021
The countdown is nearing its end. It is just 3 days before the FIRST Day of Christmas! Go, go, go! Our usual checklist sounds something like this: Invitations sent? Gifts purchased? Gifts wrapped? Food ordered? Guest rooms ready? Hurry, hurry, get it done. There is no time to waste. “But what if Christmas doesn’t come from a store? What if Christmas is a little bit more?” (from the Grinch) We have had more than three weeks now of preparation as we have moved through Advent. So, how is it going? An advent checklist might sound more like this? Am I focused on Jesus? Is there something in me that needs to change? Have I made time to see and meet the needs of people around me? How am I celebrating Jesus? Do I have the hope, peace, joy, and love that I keep hearing about? Does my life point others to Jesus? The Woodys celebrate 12 days of Christmas. It allows pause in this wonderful but sometimes very hectic celebration. It’s probably why the Israelites had festivals that went on for days. One day just doesn’t give us enough space for reflection and worship of the ONE who came and loved us so well. One life doesn’t even seem like enough. So this is the challenge for me and you as the days disappear: First, keep Christ in Christmas, ahead of everything else. Second, don’t quit when the wrapping paper and bows have been put away. Keep Christ before you, within you, beside you, beneath you, above you, around you. It really is always all about Him. Psalm 139: 23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Happy Birthday to Jesus! Merry Christmas to you!
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