I Dare You

I’m doing something different this Christmas season. You could argue I’m just lazy or getting more “Scroogesque” in my old age. I like to think I’m getting wiser.

This year I am not just mindlessly doing everything the way it’s always been done. I realized my pre-Christmas rituals had taken on an almost superstitious quality like crazy Packer fans who have to wear the same shirt for every game or eat the same food at the pre-game tailgate. Somehow I had, over time, come to believe if we didn’t do things exactly the same every year, Christmas would be a disaster. If we didn’t get the icicle lights on the roof peaks or bake at least four different kinds of cookies, Christmas would be a disappointment.

I often found myself going through the motions and doing things I didn’t enjoy in an effort to make Christmas great. This Advent I am taking the time to think about why I do some of the things I do in preparation for the holidays and getting rid of things that steal my peace and make the lead up to Christmas anything but silent nights, holy nights.

I’ve already put out less decorations. The icicles lights are still in the attic. The rolling pin is gathering dust on the top shelf. I trust that the spirit of the season will prevail regardless of what I do or don’t do. I can’t make Christmas great. It couldn’t get any greater. Christmas is God’s gift to all of us. The gift of His Son.

Dare to be different in the next few weeks as you prepare for Christmas this year. Slow down and simplify. Consider doing away with some of the things that keep you so busy you miss the great gift that this season is meant to be.

Join us at Firstfruits December 5-8 for Dare to Be Different Week. Stop in anytime between 11-1 on those days for a break from the busyness of the season. Spend time in our Prayer Room or relax over a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and some homemade goodies. Or join us Tuesday evening from 5:30-6:30 for a soup supper and at 6:30 my Advent reflection called “The Weight of the Wait.”

Trust it will all get done.

Seek first the Kingdom and all the rest will be added…..I dare you!

Joan