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Christmas, it’s practically here

By Kayla
12/4/2018

Does anyone else feel like Christmas is practically here already?  Maybe it’s the decorations up everywhere, the snow on the ground, or the commercials and movies on T.V.  I’ve just really gotten into this kick lately of feeling rushed to prepare for the holiday.  What am I going to cook?  When is the whole family able to get together?  How many gifts do I still need to buy?  I mean, even scrolling through Facebook I see something someone on my list might like and I click “Buy”.  It’s amazing to think how busy one day (but let’s be serious, one month) can be.  There’s shopping, cooking, holiday parties, advent services, and let’s not forget the holiday traditions we have to keep up on.  It can get to the point where we are just ready for the holiday hustle and bustle to be over. 

But maybe that is a true way to celebrate.  Don’t you think Mary and Joseph felt rushed at getting to Bethlehem before she went into labor?  And then they were turned away from the inn because there was no room.  Likewise, the shepherds keeping watch over their flocks by night dashed off to find the savior after the angel appeared to them.  "So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger." Luke 2:16.  After finding him, they also hastened to tell everyone about the birth of Christ.  "When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them." Luke 2:17-18. 

The shepherds weren’t the only ones traveling to find the new king.  "After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.'”  Matthew 2:1-2.  They followed the star until they found the child and presented him with gifts.  Sure sounds like the Christmas season we have come to know. 

Maybe it isn’t so bad to be in a rush this time of year.  It’s a true testament to what we are celebrating.  Just don’t let it overwhelm you.  So, go out and get those gifts like the Magi and spread the word of our Savior like the shepherds.  Quickly now, come on.  Christmas is practically here.



Christian Retreats Network /

Based at Lake Williamson / PO Box 620 / Carlinville, IL 62626

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