Are you ready for Christmas? What a strange question. Why is it so stressful when someone asks us this question? Probably because most of us think of all the ways we’re not ready. Maybe you’re one of those extremely efficient people who have been “ready” for weeks. Maybe you’re someone who will never be ready. I think we need to get to the bottom of what “being ready for Christmas” means.
I’m going to make some assumptions here. I would guess when someone asks “are you ready for Christmas?” they are probably asking, “have you finished your shopping? Put up all your decorations?” And for some people, this question also asks, “have you taken the kids to see Santa? Shopped for Christmas outfits? Baked and delivered treats for the neighbors? Arranged travel plans? Wrapped everything? Sent Christmas cards? Gone to see Christmas lights? Mailed off letters to Santa?” and the list goes on. Anyone else feel overwhelmed just by reading this list of expectations? Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the heck out of holiday traditions and cheer. I walk around stores just to listen to Christmas music and soak up the holiday glow. But I've been thinking a lot about where the pure joy comes from. And the good news is that it’s free, not contingent on anything we say or do, and it’s right in front of us.
Christmas, the birth of Jesus, already happened. We just get to celebrate this every year. How lucky are we? We need to absolve ourselves of pressure we have allowed in, dismantle emotional weight we’ve been carrying around while chasing the elusive finish line of a “perfect” season, and realize the season always has been and always will be perfect. We just have to focus our hearts and minds on the only good news we ever needed. Jesus, the son of God, was born in the flesh to change our destiny forever.
Fear not: I bring you good tidings of great joy that shall be for all people. Luke 2:10
Notice, the great joy is not offered “to all people who have all their presents wrapped,” or “to all people who have beautifully decorated homes and homemade cookies delivered to the neighbors." It’s for you. For me. For all people.
This not an event to be “ready” for. This is an event to look forward to with childlike anticipation. Everything you need is right in front of you. Don’t miss it.
