How are you all doing?  Are you in the middle of the Christmas frenzy, wondering what in the world you are doing?  Are you freaking out because you don't have all your baking, shopping, wrapping, packaging, mailing, writing, cleaning, schooling and whatever else done yet?

Maybe you need to stop and think about this.  Why do we do this every year?  I know at least one person who had all their shopping done by October 1st, but she is the exception to the rule.  I recently met a mom who does the "five days of Christmas."  Now that is a great idea!  Sure, Advent is wonderful, and a unique way to bring Christ into Christmas. 

 After all, isn't that what its all about?

But what about all the other trappings that get thrown into the mix here, the commercialism, the expectations, the frustrations, the craziness; what about those things?  How do they fit in to Christmas? 

 Should we be doing all this stuff? 

 We don't have a lot of peace in the midst of this muddle.  We sure hear a lot about it though, don't we?  "Peace on Earth" is on cards, in songs, yet the Bible says that Jesus himself said He didn't come to bring Peace, but to bring a sword.   (Matthew 10, verse 34) It is a long chapter, but you need to read the whole thing.  A dear friend of mine brought it to my attention this week and it had been awhile since I had read it. 

 It shocked me! 

This year, we still have many of the usual "trappings" like a tree, lights, decorations etc., but I am hoping we can get ourselves out of this trap we have gotten ourselves so used to being in.  I don't enjoy the stress, the expectations, the extra burdens I put on myself during this season.  I do enjoy my kids, my friends and the extra focus on the Lord.  But why this month?  Why a certain day?  Why not every day? 

After all, Jesus said that "today is the day of salvation."

My dear friends, I do hope that this holiday is a time of reflecting, and of course anything that brings us nearer to the heart of God is a good thing.  Yet there are many things that are taking us away from His heart and if you feel turmoil in your life right now take a step back and survey what is going on around you.  The Lord is not about confusion.  He is about giving us a soundness in our minds.  If there is something mixed up in your mind about this Christmas, renew your mind in Him!

I have found that we have had to "unschool Christmas" this year.  We are talking about why we do what we do.  How important is tradition?  What makes it good?  Is all of it necessary?  What can we do differently this year?  What can we do better?  How can we know God's heart each and every day? 

 By seeking Him first.  Not the tree, the gifts, the treats.  Just seek Him. 

I read this "remake" of the "Night Before Christmas" a long time ago.  I just found it online and thought I would share it with you.  Every year I wonder if this is going to be the last year before the return of the Lord.  I do believe He is going to come back someday, and from the way things are looking it could be soon!  But we don't know the day or hour.  We just have to live like it could happen any time, but be prepared to be here for awhile doing what we are called to do; seeking Him, loving our families, loving our enemies, praying, praising, trusting Him. 

 I hope this speaks to your heart, and that you will realize how much you need to know the Lord. 

'Twas The Night Before Jesus Came'

written by Unknown Author