Merry Christmas

It's that time of year yet again. And I bet it snuck up and in a panic many made sure gifts were bought and wrapped, photos were taken, Christmas cards were ordered and mailed (or maybe that's in process). I know I've enjoyed a few cheesy movies and now am getting ready to celebrate Christmas Eve.

And it's not about the presents under the tree, or the decorations, or the dinner. Look around the table - it's partly about that. What is it about? It's a celebration of the birth of the man who would change the world for the better. The God that came to us, trusting that we could take care of him in the most vulnerable state of a baby, born of a woman who had the unshakable faith and courage to say "yes". It's a reminder that He came for us - to serve, to love, to save.

And in two days, the world will "move on" and take decorations down, shopping season over, ready for the new year and resolutions. Do yourself a favor - if you are going to have a resolution, let it be to allow yourself to be vulnerable to the God whose birth you celebrate today. Let it be to allow Him to touch your heart and light your path. Let it be to take the time to find Him in the many ways in which He is working in your life, so that you can walk the journey He wants for you.

It's been a rough year for us. Having a child with depression and waiting for months for something to work (it hasn't yet), taking each day at face value and trying to not worry about the future, falling apart at times and crying tears of frustration and pain is not the best way to walk into the holiday season. At the same time, we have so much to be grateful for and can see God working on our lives every day in more ways than I can count. And yes, there are the days when my prayer is angry and frustrated and not willing to acknowledge what He is doing instead of what I want Him to do. j

Still, this season is a reminder that my God loves me particularly, and you, and my neighbor, and those who follow Him and those who choose not to. It's a reminder that He came for me and for you and for every single one of us to show us a better way.

Let this season be a step toward that better way.