Eleven days until Christmas... does that make you look forward to the day, or do you get anxious because you do not feel prepared? You have not even begun your shopping and the lights are only half up?
Christmas can be a stressful time for people as they try to prepare for the day to come. We know it should be special, happy, joyous.
Yet often after the presents are opened and the food is eaten, we can feel slightly let down.
Why?
Reading Matthew 11 today, we see Jesus said,
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
So how can celebrating his coming be a stressful time? Perhaps it is in our priorities? We instinctively know that Christmas should be an amazing time, but if we get caught up in thinking that the wonder comes from anything other than the coming of our Lord, we will be greatly disappointed.
As the holiday approaches, let's keep our focus on the true reason for the season. Family meals and presents are all nice, but they should point us to the greatest gift of all. The one gift that will never let us down.
