Christmas Heart
What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
if I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.
Christmas is less than two weeks away, and I do not have a single present placed under the tree. I’m exhausted from Thanksgiving and have decided that Christmas just came too early this year. I’d like a do-over please.
I’m not doing cards (except for one to Joanne. Got your beautiful card yesterday. Thank you!). And, I am thinking about paying someone to bake the Christmas cookies so that I can take a nap instead.
We are on day 8 of the Advent readings, and I forgot to light the candles on Sunday so I just set them on fire them yesterday so that they would look less unused when the relatives arrive this weekend.
Oh, yeah, did I mention that we are starting Christmas early this year? Dinner is apparently at my house on Saturday. (I decided to have it mostly catered. I will cook the easy peasy corn casserole myself.)
I am feeling decidedly un-ready for Christmas.
How about you?
Now, I know why Scrooge was all “Bah Humbug.” He just couldn’t handle all the hoopla.
So, this year, I’ve decided to be rebellious and just spend Christmas day in my PJ’s. I refuse to put on a pretty dress or makeup. I am going to eat leftovers on paper plates and have a Holly Jolly time resting.
My heart just can’t handle all the hullabalo.
I don’t want Christmas to be about the perfectly decorated tree or the number of beautifully wrapped presents.
If I don’t have Christmas in my heart, I will never find it under the tree.
This year, I want my heart to be the only present under the tree. I want to offer my weary, ready for nap heart to Jesus.
It’s a good thing He loves broken and needy people. Because I really need Him.
Instead of running ragged on the Christmas treadmill this year, I am going to jump off the crazy train and plop down at His feet in my jammies.
There will be no stockings hung by the chimney with care, but I will be hanging on to Jesus.
I’m going to wrap up my heart in the wonder of Him this Christmas.
Something to think about…
“If I don’t have Christmas in my heart, I will never find it under the tree.” Thank you for this reminder, Lyli! It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness and forget why we celebrate Christmas. I don’t want to do that. I want to remember what is important.
Blessings to you!
Lyli, I love this post!!! Over the past couple of years I’ve been eliminating things that bring more stress than pleasure. For me, Christmas cards had to go! Merry Christmas!!
Amen + I’m with you wholeheartedly~ *Happy Christmastime in our hearts {this year, daily, always}. Thank you for this article, Lyli.
I’m not the only one? I have no presents under my tree yet either. Sigh. I’ve bought and wrapped and given away a few already, but nothing has made it under the tree. Tomorrow, tomorrow.
This sounds like a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas: “I will be hanging on to Jesus.”
So true, Lyli. Without the heart component, Christmas celebration is all hoopla. Thanks for sharing your very real story!
You make me smile, Lyli. Christmas is sprinting toward us, isn’t it? I feel the breeze of its speed as well. And a day in pjs? Yes, all the way! Merry Christmas, friend. May the spirit of Christ dwell richly in both our homes and hearts this year.
Oh, Lyli ((Hug)) I’m feeling much the same, and — it’s not the most fun feeling, is it? Love your decision to rest in the reason and not be driven by the chaos. We’ve had so much going on, Christmas is sneaking up on me…but that seems to be the case every year lately. Our schedule will slow down after tomorrow (as much as it can the week before Christmas), and I’m feeling some much-needed jammie time myself. 🙂 Christmas Miracle Blessings, friend. xoxo
Lyli, may Jesus become more real and present as you (and all of us) keep Christmas simple. Love you! xo
Amen!
Lyli, do you have room on your couch for me? I’ll be the one in my PJs, too! I’m right there with you, Sister!
I had to leave town to care for my mom. So I left some gifts ready to go for my husband (mostly gift cards, I’m afraid), but I’m not very motivated to finish even online. I’m actually very peaceful about it all which is amazing to me. This must be the year for taking it easy and resting in Him! Blessings!
Continued prayers for you & your mom today, Donna. Letting Amazon play Santa for you this year is not a bad idea. Hugs
Lyli, that poem/song is just about my most favorite for reminding me of the true meaning of Christmas. I have used it in cards, on posts, and in my heart. I feel like the child giving Jesus the only thing I have and that is my heart. Thank you for this gift of love today.
“Instead of running ragged on the Christmas treadmill this year, I am going to jump off the crazy train and plop down at His feet in my jammies.” I love this. Thank you so much for this.
Happy Thursday!
Megs
I think it’s true what Mother Teresa said, “It’s Christmas every time you let God love others through you.” So you do this on a regular basis, my friend, I think you’re entitled to skip the hoopla this year and stick to the true Reason for the season. My Christmas gift to you is prayers for comfort and JOY 😉
Hi there, Lyli! My name is Katie and I’m over at Hungry Beastling, a quirky healthy living blog. This is my first time visiting you blog/ link party, so I wanted to be sure I introduced myself!
I loved this post. It’s such a terrific reminder for us to take a step back and remember what we’re actually celebrating.
It’s all too easy getting caught up in the craziness of Christmas.
Shopping, baking, eating, partying, eating (I know, I said eating twice;-), there seems to be so much pressure and stress leading up to Christmas, many of us are almost too exhausted to enjoy the actual holiday once it arrives.
Anywho, thank you so much for hosing this link party. I really do appreciate it. Also, I signed up for your blog and am excited to start getting your inspiring words! I can never have too much inspiration, ya know? 🙂
Take care and thanks so much again!
Katie Jenkins
Welcome, Katie! I am so honored that you subscribed. I pray you will find encouragement in this space each week. — Merry early Christmas to you!!! 🙂