Rewinding Christmas to Find Peace, Love, and Joy

As quickly as it came, the Christmas holiday has slipping away. With Thanksgiving falling the last week in November this year, that was the first indication the season might run its course quickly. Lately, it seems like the years go by so quickly too. This year, I tried really hard to draw out each day and make it last as long as I could. The season begins in November and each day up until Christmas should be thoroughly enjoyed to the fullest. For us, it meant a tradition of reading Advent scriptures/praying, classic Christmas movies, popcorn and family crafts. The children are 6 and 8.  My prayer is for all memories created to be etched on their hearts and recalled later with their own children. We made sure to share old family traditions and to speak life, love and hope into future traditions. Each child was told that when they get married and come back home for the holidays we will watch classics and recall all the funny things they did as kids.  The thought of it all is so beautiful and the expectation is like waiting on Christ to be born. The expectancy of Jesus coming into the world to save us is something you can't forget, but we often do running around to parties and shopping. Whether it is birth or His death, the miracle is the gift of eternal life for all of us.  A Savior was born -- to save us. Although we miss it each year, that sacrifice is the best gift ever and we don't even realize it. What if we could rewind this year? What would you do differently?  The prophet Isaiah said this about Jesus:

Isaiah 9:6-7 -New King James Version (NKJV)

⁶ For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
⁷ Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

 

Peace, love and joy should be our prayer for each and every day. Peace is something many people long for; especially during a time when there are wars, pestilence, famine, job loss and homelessness. If you are experiencing any of these, how much would you give to have a peaceful, quiet evening with warm home that is paid in full, table full of family and food and a enough love and joy to share with your neighbors? The image in my head is beautiful and brings me back to the upper room where Jesus sat with the disciples.  May 2014 be a year that we seek the Kingdom of God and all that He has to offer -- even in the middle of our storms -- to experience His peace, love and joy.