On the Eve of Christmas

This year, I have really been making a point to enjoy this season. This has meant sending fewer Christmas cards, making fewer Christmas cookies, getting out fewer decorations and not overwhelming myself to find someone the perfect gift. It has also meant more moments of reflection, spending quality time with friends and family and more thoughtfulness about what I want Christmas to signify for my own children. I hope that Mary-Michael and our future kids will know the wonder and fantasy of Santa, but more than that I hope they learn this season is a time to give to others, be a blessing to others and give thandks because that is what Jesus did.

Since this is my first Christmas as a mother, my thoughts have turned more toward Mary and what she must have felt today on the eve of her Son's birth. I'll admit the first thing that comes to mind is the pain of having to travel on a donkey while 9 months pregnant only to have your delivery room be a stable with no drugs, no popscicles and no helpful nurses to tend to your needs - that is a super woman right there! But amidst all of this discomfort, she was charged with what I think is a most amazing task - to bring the Son of God into this world. I'm sure her levels of nervousness and excitement were much like my own when I knew Mary-Michael would arrive soon. But I bet her faith in God and the strength of her husband by her side gave her the courage and ability she needed to push through.

So, today, I thank Mary for being such a servant and Joseph for humbly answering the call to stand by her side. I pray that my family and I can only be so willing to go and do whatever the Lord asks of us - even if it's countercultural. May we all be Marys, Josephs and most definitely a Jesus to someone this season and throughout the year. Christmas is a great reminder to give to and bless others, but in reality this is what we are called to do all year and all our lives.

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

Merry Christmas Eve to you and yours!