Christmas Clean Up
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!’”
John 1:29
I love decorating for Christmas. Unpacking beautiful baubles and decorations somehow fills my heart with hope and joy. Nativity sets remind me of the magnitude of Jesus leaving heaven-who does that?!- for all humanity. Throughout the Christmas season, I continue to fluff, adjust and even embellish the pretty items on display. It may be a form of “nesting,” all in preparation to celebrate Christmas. The deeper meaning is to prepare my heart and experience God's love more fully. Spending time in prayer and reading my Bible by the lights of the tree or a lit candle is somehow extra special. After all, Jesus is the King of the Word, and the decorations provide a royal setting.
The Christmas stories found within the New Testament never become dull for me. Each year I discover a new truth or perspective. For example, the posture of Mary after the birth of her son, Jesus, really caught my attention this year. This reminds me of the value of pondering fleeting moments within our hearts. Luke 2:19 recorded “but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.” (NTL) The moments surrounding the birth and realization of her son as “Immanuel” must have been so overwhelming for her to ponder.
As much as I treasure all the Christmas trimmings and twinkling lights placed with care each year, I also enjoy putting it all away. In a reflective way, it’s surreal. Everything that once glittered and twinkled seems so clean and fresh when all the glitter is vacuumed up. (But doesn’t it seem to keep reappearing in the corners?)
Then there is the pile of trash we have after Christmas, so much to be hauled away. The trashmen work endlessly the week following Christmas, taking away the debris and aftermath. It reminds me that our sins are taken away, and it starts with Christmas! The reason Jesus came to earth was so he could take away the sin of humanity, by His death on the cross. It is a sacrifice He made, and just like the wrapping, boxes, and packaging of Christmas, our sin disappears when we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior
Yes, just like the glitter we continue to find days after the decorations are stored away, we are reminded of our sinful nature. Here is the good news: Jesus didn’t come into the world and die to remind us of our sin through shame and guilt. He loves us too much for that. I believe He wants us to shine brightly and store in our hearts how great His love is for us.
This year I want to practice thinking of Jesus more often and more deeply. Because He is Immanuel-” God with us!”
how Do you feel god’s love beyond the christmas season?
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