I love this time of year. Absolutely love it. Christmas spirit makes me jolly beyond compare (yes, I am jolly), and I blast the same Christmas songs over and over again. My heart is filled with song as I see houses lit with beautiful lights, and I about go into over-excited fits when these houses are set to music. (I'm not kidding.) My favorite activity this time of year is to grab a good 'ol cup of Starbucks joe and hit the road to see what Wichita (or Springfield as was the case for four years) has to offer my eyes.
However, in the midst of all this, I have found myself unbelievably cranky. I find my attitude resembling that of my arch nemesis the Grinch, and I wonder what has caused me to slip into such a grumbly way of being. I have a lot to be thankful for: fantastic friends, a loving family, and a job in the midst of economic turmoil. So why am I so crabby? And then it hits me. In the midst of the commercialism (and don't get me wrong, I love lights, music, and the atmosphere just as much as anyone), I have forgotten why Christmas is even worth celebrating in the first place.
Christ has given me reason to have joy beyond the norm. I realize the incredible gift in one baby coming to this earth and remember the saving grace that was sent as the greatest gift to mankind. In this grace comes the beauty of redemption, and I am finding that redemption new everyday.
Ever since I walked across the stage at James River in May, God has been chiseling away at everything I was too busy to deal with. This has been one of the most incredible times of growth, and it is really and truly growth that is only just beginning. God has already shown himself to me in more ways than I could have ever imagined, and I cannot wait to see what else He has in store. This Christmas season, I really choose to believe in the gift of complete and total healing. God is preparing me for what I feel will resemble spiritual boot camp, but I am ready to face it head on. I am ready for Him to break every single chain.
Christ is the true light of the world, and His brilliance should (and does) excite me far more than any one light. I am humbled to think that He loved me enough to die in my place so that I could spend an eternity with Him. Christmas reminds me of that one true light and how its radiance is shining into the darkest and coldest places of my sometimes very Grinch-like heart. As we quickly leave the year 2011, I choose to let the light of Christ lead me on a very exciting journey ahead. I will remember the reason for the season and hold tightly to the promise that I have found in the love of my Savior.
As I gaze upon the decorations and eat to my heart's content (come on, it's holiday time. Who doesn't enjoy Christmas cookies??), I will remember that in one little baby, I have been completely set free. Instead of being caught up in the hustle and bustle and inevitable stress that comes with the holiday season, I will strive to see the redemption that came with the most perfect gift. Let God prepare your heart. He has something great in store for you.
Love you guys.
In Him,
Em
