Check yourself

With all the firsts that come with married life, I anticipated Christmas to be my favorite. From tree decorating, to gift giving, to spending time with loved ones near and far. I have looked forward to it all, but now, as the week of Christmas has somehow snuck up on us in all the hustle and bustle that we know as life, I'm beginning to feel a little overwhelmed. Why? Simply because Christmas as I have always know and celebrated it, will be interrupted this year. Anyone who knows me, know I'm not too good with change, I never have been. Between trying to keep as many traditions as possible between both our families, I'm feeling anxious. Thoughts like "are we going to have enough time" or " are their feelings going to be hurt if we leave early (or show up late)" or "are we spending enough time with both of our families" have floated in and out of my train of thought over the past few days. I want to spend all the time with my family that I can, but I also don't want Matt or his family to be shorted either. And this evening as I was stressing over this a friend kindly put me back in my place. She reminded me that Christmas isn't about making all the parties or gatherings, or seeing everybody or getting gifts. It's about celebrating the birth and life of our Savior. Those words really made me check myself, and honestly, I'm probably going to have to check myself a few more times before the day arrives ; like I said, I don't do we'll with change).  But, it made me step back and see that somewhere along the way, the truth behind our celebration of Christmas, had been lost on me. I feel blessed to have a friend who would point that out to me. So this year, yes, enjoy your family, and the time you get to spend together. Enjoy the gifts and be thankful for the giver. But above everything else, hold tight to the truth behind Christmas, and celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ The Lord."

                                     Luke 2:11