It seems like the Christmas season comes upon us so quickly. Before you know it, you blink, and it has gone from January to December in a flash.
As a stage IV breast cancer survivor Christmas takes on a new meaning to me. It makes me slow down and purposefully take in each moment and savor every second. As my family and I decorated for Christmas tonight, it made me stop and think about what the two most important things are at Christmas.
1.The most important thing about Christmas is Christ.
He is the real reason we celebrate this season. It’s because God decided to send His son down to earth in human form, born to a virgin, to one day save the world. It’s the beginning of the solution to rescue mankind from it’s transgressions. It’s the answer to the problem that was created so long ago when Eve first took that bite. This little baby born in a manger turned the tides and created the light that the world needed to live full and free in Him alone.
Throughout this season I want to encourage you to keep CHRIST in Christmas. Don’t let the busyness of the season, or the next item of the shopping list distract your focus from what really matters most, Jesus. Remind your children, and tell your family and friends about the deep love that God had for us by sending His one and only Son to be born as a precious baby boy.
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” -Luke 2:8-14
2. The second most important thing about Christmas is family and friends.
Let go of some of the lists this season and just be. Having cancer has taught me to give up some things for two important reason. The first being, I just can’t do what I used to. The second is, some of the things I thought were important, really are not.
Slow the season down this year. Create memories… sit in front of your tree and just marvel at the lights, make cookies with your children, read them that one extra story before they go to bed, turn down the extra party and stay at home with your family, pop popcorn and watch Christmas movies. One thing I often tell myself during these special times is to, “Capture the moment. Remember it Shari, remember it. Breath in deep and capture it in your mind and never let this moment go.”
It’s not about the size or the cost of the gifts that matter, it’s what’s in your heart that counts. Dedicate this season to Christ and your family. Take the moments that seem mundane and make them special, so you can put them in the scrapbook of your memories and never let them fade away.
In order to make this season extra special, and to lighten the burdens that some of you may be carrying, myself and 17 other bloggers have gotten together to offer a giveaway, (Christmas Blessing 2015), in PayPal cash worth $400. This giveaway is hosted by Woman to Woman Ministries. If you win, this can be used wherever you see fit, whether to pay bills, buy groceries, help those in need, or to make you Christmas a little extra special, the choice is up to you. To enter the giveaway please read the rules below and then enter by completing the necessary requirements on the Raffelcopter giveaway.
Merry Christmas!
RULES:
Giveaway Rules: No purchase necessary. Must be 18 to enter. Void where prohibited by law. Open to US and Canadian residents only. This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or associated by Facebook. By entering this giveaway, you agree to release Facebook, Woman to Woman Ministries and all participating bloggers of all liability. Contest ends at 11:59PM CST on December 6, 2015. Winner is randomly chosen by Rafflecopter and will be emailed.
I completely agree: the two most important things are Jesus and family. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for being a part of the Christmas Blessing. <3