Ah, the Sears catalog. As young children of the sixties, we waited for it with eager anticipation each year. Once it arrived in our mailbox, we’d flop belly down on the floor, paper and pencil ready. We’d pour over it, each making a wish list for Santa. Written through our hopes and dreams.

Standing before the tree and decorating was so much fun! The Christmas tunes blaring from our record player increased the excitement. We heard the Christmas story and felt such awe. It was so easy back then. It was all so magical.

When did I forget to be in awe of the baby born? When did I lose sight of the true reason for the season?

But now there is shopping to do, either fighting the crowds or scouring the internet looking for a bargain and the perfect gift to impress.

When did I forget that the baby grew to manhood, had a ministry, came for my salvation? Well maybe I didn’t actually forget, it just went into the background of the busyness of the season.

But there are cookies to bake, events to attend…

“He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”Isaiah 53:5 (KJV)

Local events, school events, parties, parades, performances. Is there even time to go ice skating?

Another tree, made into a rugged cross.

So much to do, so many people to see…

The crowds taunted him. They turned on him, crucified him; he died an agonizing death. For me. To reconcile me to God. For you. To reconcile you to God, his father. My father. Your father.

The gifts are purchased, but they still need to be wrapped. I have to go to work. There’s mom taxi driving. There’s grandchildren to see. It’s all too much. I need more hours in the day!

STOP. Hault!

The real meaning. Because if the real meaning isn’t there, the rest is all rubbish. Waste of money, waste of time.

Take a breath. All of this rushing around and craziness is optional.

His dying on that cross was optional. Yet he chose it. To bring salvation and eternal life to you and to me, if we believe and accept the gift.

I believe, Lord Jesus. Thank you.

So I ask you…Where do you stand before the tree?

I hope you choose belief, to accept the salvation he offers.

Merry Christmas, friends. Let’s celebrate!

~Carolyn

“Life isn’t easy. Together we can make it better”