Which List Do You See?

The Christmas Season has commenced like a well planned marathon, running down the days to shop, starting with Black Friday and winding down on Christmas Eve. Decorations are up, lights are on, Santa is at the mall, holiday music playing, and presents are appearing under the tree. All seems well as we prepare to celebrate once again the birth of Jesus. I wonder what Mary and Joseph would think of all the glitz, glamour and clamoring for presents at Christmas, for our Christmas celebration is far removed from what it was really like on the night of Christ's birth. Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem to register and pay taxes. The village was overflowing with people, so the only place to bed down was in a stable among animals. They did not have shopping malls to get baby clothes, nor 7-Eleven or grocery stores to get milk or food. Joseph and Mary could've thought about the house back in Nazareth, the warm bed, the fire in the hearth that warmed their home, the friends, relatives and especially moms that could come help when it was time for Mary to give birth. Perhaps the list of what they didn't have was much longer than the list of what they had. But isn't that how life is? When we focus on what we do not have, we get moody and edgy. The list of what we do not have somehow overshadows the beauty of what we do have. We miss loved ones who are absent and overlook the ones who are present. We get caught up in memories of Christmas past and sometimes do not enjoy what is right before us. The challenge is to enjoy what you have and leave the list of what you do not have with God. Mary and Joseph made due with what they had in less than ideal circumstances. It wasn't long before they began to have visitors. The Shepherds came first, then others who heard of the Shepherds story of an angelic chorus proclaiming the birth of Jesus. The visitors soon replaced the longing ache for family within their hearts. Joseph began to take on the responsibility of a family. It had been difficult for Mary to travel while pregnant. Now that she had given birth, she would need time to heal up. Having a baby to travel with would slow things down too. How would he pay for all that was needed along the way? These worries were soon replaced with amazement at God's wonderful provision. For wise men came and brought gifts for Jesus, which provided for them for some time. Here's the challenge: Enjoy the moments of each day along with each one you meet. If you find yourself in less than perfect or ideal circumstances, take a long look at what you do have and praise God for each item on that list. Praise chases out worries and fear, moodiness and agitation. Make this a season of praise, for our Lord has come and has brought us salvation. Prayer: Lord, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to bring me salvation. Help me to see Your many blessings and praise You for the things I have, for You are a God of wonder, and You delight to surprise us in ways we never thought possible, especially in less than perfect circumstances. In You I will rejoice. Amen. Have a Merry Christmas!