It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Isn’t it? Shouldn’t it be? …
Of course, I would be remiss in not writing about the birth of our Savior. It IS what we celebrate, isn’t it? We have birthday parties for friends, family, and pets. We decorate, we wrap, we sing. We take photos to commemorate the occasion. Soo, have a birthday party for Jesus. Bake him a cake for heaven’s sake. Honor Him in prayer and time spent with those we love. I am personally celebrating Jesus with WAY too many cookies, but that is an entirely different post.
I love a party. I love to celebrate. So why, until this day, did it take me so long to feel the Christmas cheer. Not to worry, I have been blessed with it today! Thank God, as I was beginning to think that I was going through the motions. Today, however, in the midst of baking and wrapping and singing and celebrating… I feel His presence. I direct result of prayer, I am sure. I have prayed for ALL of the bad news that has made its way through my ears, to my brain, and eventually landed in a heavy heart. Those who are alone…those who are spending this Christmas for the first time without those whom they have celebrated every other… those who have landed in the midst of holiday cards burdened with sad news about the coming year… I have prayed for the grace of Jesus to overcome all of this burden for so many. And, so it has.
Glory be to God that I stand so blessed to be able to pray for these stories. The sadness of so many others this holiday season has given me pause to lean in to Him.
Today, I will bake Him a cake. My children will blow out the candles tomorrow. We will pause for a moment in prayer and celebration. Will I release my own burdens to Him on his birthday?  Who would  take on the burdens of others on their own birthday?  I believe He wants that from us. I believe he understands that our burdens build a bridge to Him.
So, get yourself walking… get on the bridge to Him. Celebrate Him. Celebrate His birth.
And, after the wrapping war zone is all picked up; after the toys have emerged into life; after your feet find the couch; after your cocktail finds your lips… Remember. Reflect. Renew.
Happy Birthday, Jesus.
Cheers to you!