I am extroverted by nature and love spending time with lots of people. I am energized by the crowd.  Sometimes; however, when I spend a lot of time with people and have lots of different conversations, I have a hard time winding down and falling asleep.  Last week at MOPS we brought our entire remote staff in to engage in our annual strategic planning.  I was thrilled because the majority of my staff is remote and we spend most days connecting via Facetime, phone and Zoom so having time in person was wonderful.

I found myself restless at the end of the week.  I was processing plans, replaying meaningful conversations and honestly had a lot planned for the weekend as I was hosting a large party at my house.  I decided to stop tossing and turning and make my way downstairs so I didn’t wake my husband.

I walked around the Christmas tree and began reminiscing.  My tree is a story tree.  It is a bit of a hodge podge so to speak but so many ornaments hold sentimental value to me.  A green felt ornament with my oldest son, Justin, centered in the middle with his first grade smile.  An ornament with Spencer’s old football number, Taylor’s picture secured in a hot glue gunned popsicle stick triangle. Then there is Lexi’s picture,surrounded by gold painted noodles her beautiful smile and the “ I cut my own bangs with play scissors” look that she sported as a preschooler one year. Our first year married Christmas ornament which is now 33 years old. The beautiful ornaments my sister has given me over the years and the ones we have collected on our travels.  Then one in particular caught my eye – It says, “Jesus is the Reason for the Season”.  Santa is kneeling in prayer at the manger.  It is sweet.  I then glanced over to my nativity scene and the lights from the tree reflected so beautifully on the manger scene.

It is the season, the birth of the Christ child.  The celebrations of it all.  Looking at the baby Jesus in the manger made me grateful that He is not just the reason for the Christmas season but He is the Reason. The meaning to our earthly lives. This Christmas let’s not leave baby Jesus in the manger.  As fellow Christians let’s love all people well and share the hope that is only found in Him.  Those thoughts allowed me to settle back into bed and I slept so peacefully.

I realize Christmas can be so hard for many.  I know we have had our years when the thoughts of Fa La La seemed impossible.  This year many we know are struggling with health issues and the sadness that comes with the loss of those we love.  Even more reason to stop and share God’s love. Let’s be mindful of the Reason this holiday season and beyond.

Wishing all of you a Merry Christmas!

Isaiah 9:6 NIV For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.