Christmas approaches. Like a freight train. It’s that time of year.
Loud in commercials and sales. Glitz and glitter. Richly-colored wrapping and ribbons and bows.
Bright trees. Exquisite nativities. Christmas baking on point.
And the music. Playlists mixing winter themes and manger scenes. O Holy Night and a blue Christmas without you.
In the midst of it all? Hunger for something more.
Memories
In my childhood, during the weeks before Christmas, we played favorite Christmas albums. Decorated with greenery. Set up the nativity. And placed shiny ball ornaments and silver tinsel on the tree (the icicles for our tropical setting–we could only dream of snow). Pine fragrance permeated the room.
We baked and decorated Christmas cookies. Made divinity. Fudge. And put together plates of these for others.
At night, our family gathered for story time.
We lit a candle. Then read a chapter from “Our Christmas Story” by Ruth Bell Graham (1959). A family favorite which began with the story of creation in Genesis.
We were reminded. Often. About the true meaning of Christmas.
Christmas morning
Christmas morning brought mystery and excitement. Anticipation.
But after opening gifts and eating Christmas stocking treats, I remember the feeling. That vague sense of discontent.
Bountiful gifts, never quite enough. Or comparison raising its ugly head to spoil my attitude and demeanor.
And this in a household where we were consistently taught to practice gratefulness. Appreciate the thoughtfulness of the gift-giver. Say thank you.
It wasn’t for lack of trying on my parents’ part.
Something more
But there’s something telling about those Christmas mornings. The short-lived fun and encroaching restlessness. Looking around for something more. To address the empty place.
This inner hunger points toward what we truly long for. The singular gift that can fill the soul’s deepest need.
Jesus.
The only One who can refresh our hearts and fill us up. With joy. Peace. Contentment.
“Mystery revealed” teaching us the reality and comfort of our true Home.
Celebrate
So have fun this season. Enjoy the lights and color and music. Give gifts in honor of the Giver.
But above all, turn your eyes upon the One and Only Son of God born to the virgin Mary one starry night in Bethlehem.
Celebrate the Savior of the world who made possible the greatest gift: eternal life with Him.
He is exceedingly, abundantly beyond our vision of something more. More than we could even ask or think.
Glory, glory! Hallelujah!
What about you?
Do you struggle with that longing for “something more” at Christmas? How has the Lord met you in that longing? What has He taught you?
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Christmas: the time came – Christmas prophecies – Song in the air – God with us – The greatest Treasure – Waiting, we worship – Expectation –
Ephesians 3:20-21 – John 10:10 – John 17:3 – Luke 2 –
7 replies on “Something more”
Beautifully expressed and timely reminder!!! Praying this for my grands. To find contentment in Christ alone.
In Christ alone, AMEN.
While I did not grow up in a liturgical church tradition that formally observed Advent/Lent seasons, I’ve found a more focused approach with Advent devotional materials to be helpful. I’m 73 without extended family, and I find the directed focus during this season great company. I still decorate for the holiday…great visual aids during our rainy winter where I live.
What a difference intentional Advent devotions have made for us as well. And we love all of the visual aids at our house too. 🙂 Have a blessed celebration.
Just this morning, I confessed to God my impatient attitude and asked Him to help me see His broader, deeper, higher plans and REST in Him. Thanks for this affirmation!
“His broader, deeper, higher plans…”—thank you for sharing, sister. I needed that reminder today.
So true. I think because of living away from family during Christmas, I’ve come to view Christmas differently.
Seeing as rejoicing and a new chapter instead of ending the year.