Unwrap Jesus: Slow Down

Saturday, 17 December 2011

Unwrap Jesus: Slow Down

By Bonnie at Faith Barista

Psst. It’s a week before Christmas.

The Christmas cards are trickling in. Presents might be showing up on your doorstep. The spam from stores sounding the countdown to shipping rates and shipping dates — for sure — are attacking you from your inbox.

Don’t be alarmed.

I have some good news for us.

It’s not too late.

We’re not prisoners strapped on a runaway Christmas train.

We can still do it.

We. can. slow. down.

What He Really Wants

Don’t get me wrong. I’ve still got some things to do between now and then.

But, I’m not talking about what’s happening on the outside.

I’m talking about what’s happening on the inside.

I’m talking about the voices of expectations — from Christmas past, Christmas present and maybe for some, even from Christmas future and how you want it to be next year.

I’m talking about what Jesus said about Mary — when Martha was feeling the pressure to have everything turn out well.

Jesus smiles His words to me, as He did to Martha long ago –

Really, Bonnie.

It’s okay.

You can let go.

What I really want is you.

Here.

With me.

It’s not too late.

Even if the holiday inertia builds around me, I’m undeterred.

I know what I want.

Myself in His Story.

Find Yourself

There’s always a changing set of expectations every Christmas season. Life continually offers up different dynamics, so how I slow down varies. One thing is certain, no matter how many highs or how deep the lows, I want to dial down whatever it takes to make room for the story of Jesus’ birth.

Every year, my hope for Christmas is pretty simple.

I want to find myself in the Christmas story. Today.

One journey I take every December since my mid-twenties is this: I hope to find a character in the story that God can step me into. I wonder whose robes God will have me don this year. It won’t be for a church or school play.

I meditate on His story, reading it through the different Gospels, switching shoes on different characters — to feel, see, touch, hear, and smell what they do. For a day or two.

This year is no different.

I’m asking God to bring me to a place where I can experience Him simply and get ready for a new year.

Ripple Effects

So much has changed this year for me. I dared to jump in on dream deferred and I said yes to God.

Whenever we step out in faith, our world shifts. We look in the mirror and we don’t quite recognize everything we see — in the world and ourselves. Ways we used to live by don’t fit us any more, while what’s up ahead is still unknown, as we’re still growing into it.

It’s the in-between time. It’s exciting to know things are changing, but it’s more exciting to know that God doesn’t change.

I don’t know what awaits me next year, but I need to make that journey to Bethlehem and return with something new.

I need the ripples to lead me back to where the story of Jesus first began.

~~~~~

I’m not going to try to pretend or make Christmas happen.

I will unwrap each new day in faith that His story will hit me where I live today.

We can find Jesus in our everyday realities. He will show us the way.

They will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us”).
Matthew 1:23

~~~~~
How are you a week before Christmas?

What can you dial down – or possibly skip – to enjoy Jesus in this season?
- 2:31 PM
- 379 Views
- 8 eProps
- 4 Comments

3

Recommend

Comments (4)

{ It’s exciting to know things are changing, but it’s more exciting to know that God doesn’t change.}
Amen to the comment above. Your article is so right on for this time of year. In my case, there is no need to dial down. When this time of year hits, I stay away from the malls and allow memories of a Christmas from the long ago past remind what the season is all about. We had a Christmas Eve tradition where we would have dinner early and then my Dad would pick up the Bible and read the story of the birth of Jesus. I can still see him in his rocker, Mom sitting next to him knitting, while we 4 kids sat on the carpet listening. I am almost certain the 2 dogs and 3 cats who had joined us, listened as well. This is what Christmas means to me.
- 12/17/2011 4:01 PM
- MzSilver@xanga (message)
- recommend
- reply
http://i41.tinypic.com/219xnc2.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/167q9l5.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/6h2mph.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/904mso.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/30u9zf4.png
you're welcome.
- 12/17/2011 5:30 PM
- tst08@xanga (message)
- recommend
- reply
This is a great point... This year for some reason it seems like my family and I really have let the "Reason for the Season" simply slip into the back of our heads. I put up the Nativity. We read the story, but it has gotten a little out of control with finals, gifts, and just busyness. Thanks for this reminder!!
- 12/17/2011 9:26 PM
- Sammysosa76@xanga (message)
- recommend
- reply
* cheap canada gooseCanada
Goose Women's Grey Chilliwack Parka is the most well-known design near
to the world because of great design and best material.canada goose jackets
Well recognized brand name Canada Goose Jackets can be your most beneficial choice.Don't pass up it.
* Arctic-Tech shell with DWR finish;Outershell:85% Polyester,canada goose parka15% cotton;Lining: 100 % nylon* Premium Canadian duck down insulation.
* Two-way adjustable hood with coyote fur ruff;front zipper with storm flap* Elasticized,Canada Goose Chilliwack Parka rib-knit cuffs and waistband;abundance pocketscanada goose online
* shoppers who bought this product wear also like to choose Canada Goose
Women's Black Chilliwack Parka,or other serie Canada Goose Solaris
Parka. canada goose for saleMoncler Jackets Women would be the most recent well-liked,moncler jackets women
unique design and extremely stylish, the comfortable inserting on
will provide you with a comfortable as well as enjoyable winter.moncler jackets men
Offering 3 squat pockets, Squat closure as well as little logo area
about still left sleeve. Modern youngsters just like a few trendy and
specific type, so revolutionary aspects might be very easily
discovered about the fresh functions regarding Moncler Outlet .Moncler footwear linked with excellent design highest quality inside the layout, moncler vests on saleso that you can move straight in the direction of location. moncler coats sale
placed on this particular footwear with a set of skiing jeans with
regard to compacted snow or absorb it the actual direction regarding
roadways using a amazing couple of jeans.this boot styles offers you
fashion as well as warmness.moncler jackets online moncler footwear appear elegant having a feeling of performance degree with respect to plenty of of these overcoats.cheap moncler sale Additionally welcome to selection the classic moncler online from your moncler outlet.Moncler jackets Kid can make your youngster lovely.It really is most effective gift for the youngsters.cheapest moncler jacketsYour
children may admire putting on these with their own main sight
because they are rich in a beautiful physical appearance. In the
snowfall evening or really cold temperature, youngsters use them
outside and definately will sense warm and comfortable. moncler jackets saleGoose decrease is actually accepted to get the actual really the majority of beneficial light-weight, moncler jacketsinsulating
supplies and is particularly additionally completely mesh. If you
need to give your Kid any warm winter season, after that can be found
to our moncler outlet.cheapest moncler

North Face Womens Denali Gore Tex Waterproof Jacket White Sale.the north faceThe patented GORE-TEX membrane makes garments 100% waterproof, cheap north facewindproof and breathable so that you stay dried out and at ease below any conditions. By 1978, the north face jacketsGORE-TEX
fabric was launched as well since the world met the 1st truly
waterproof, breathable outerwear. Thanks to our responsibility to
unending innovation and creativity, the north face salewater-resistant
and breathable GORE-TEX products have ongoing to improve and evolve to
keep in motion using the altering needs of our customers. Cheap North
Face Womens Jackets, wholesale North Face Jackets online sale, north face outletwelcome to buy! The North face Mens Vest is your ideal option for outdoor activities. This North Face Mens Nuptse Down Vest Navy will be your excellent companion in your Climbing,north face jackets women
Skiing, Snowboarding or Winter Camping activities, they protect you
from the snow water enviroment, keep you warm and dry, enjoy your
entertainment, show your good taste, North Face Mens Jacketsand your quality life. This mens vest is your best choice for chilly winter!

uggs boots carry a classic molded EVA mild and flexible outsole which could be designed for unprecedented comfort with every sole step. ugh bootsThe pattern with this series ugg classic tall makes the boots effortless pull-on and pull-off fit.ugg boots sale These boots on ugg boots clearance are made from sheepskin which not merely provide excellent insulation against the cold, cheap ugg bootsbut in inclusion absorbs too much moisture even although uggs for sale letting your feet breath.cheap uggsUGG Felicity Boots with part using the new Greenwich choice that made the UGG Felicity have a stylish silhouette.ugg boots With a sculpted rubber wedge and corset-like element detailing,ugh boots for sale the Felicity may be also relaxing with its sheepskin lining.ugg boots online Insole features a genuine sheepskin sockliner that ordinarily wicks aside dampness and keeps feet dry.ugg boots sale Reverse suede upper detailed with corset-like side lacing and metallic UGG Australia logo.cheap ugg boots Listed here are Ugg boots online sale, discount ugg bootsyou can choose different styles and colours when you like.ugg bootsThe UGG Classic Cardy Boots attributes colorful,ugg boots online knit uppers and a sheepskin sock liner for additional comfort. cheap ugg bootsA mild and flexible outsole along using a suede heel guard offers durable put on all period long.ugg boots for sale With three oversized wooden buttons,ugg boots online this design can be styled up and buttoned,cheap ugg boots sale slouched and slightly unbuttoned,ugg classic boots cheap or completely cuffed. Ugg boots sale, shopping now!
- 12/18/2011 10:39 PM
- wholesales (message)
- recommend
- reply