Where are you Christmas? Why can’t I find you?
Joshua 1:9b Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
It was Friday morning, December 24th when this feeling started to creep into my heart. I tried to slam the door on it but could not seem to do it with any success. After delivering a few gifts in the morning, I realized that something was seriously missing. Yes, I hate to say it, but I had lost my joy!
I was clock watching and realizing that I had to be certain places at certain times and my sense of peace had vanished along with my joy. It’s like they packed up and moved out!
Why have you gone away?
Where is the laughter you used to bring me?
Why can't I hear music play?
I dropped off family presents before the 5:00 service where I served communion. It touched my heart to serve but somehow, it did not bring me joy. I loved seeing all the people but I had to make a hasty retreat to get to the next event. Coming from a small family, this get together felt like a home coming.
There was a short rest bit between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day but I was back on the road by 6:40 to watch the family open gifts. How times changed! A few years ago, it was toys and games and this year was all clothing and make up, new shoes and cell phones. Where did the time go?
My world is changing, I'm rearranging
Does that mean Christmas changes too?
There was one more family party last evening but I only made an occasional appearance and that was to get food and take the dog out. By 7:30, I was exhausted and shut my door. I sat and tried to write a couple different devotions but the words simply did not flow. Perhaps I was too tired, overwhelmed, feeling uneasy, alone and distant.
That brings us to Sunday, December 26th. My devotion was about unconditional love and how His love for us does not change even when our moods and behavior vary. I finally had one of those epiphany moments after reverently asking, “What happened this year? Who stole my joy?”
JESUS: “You did not invite Me to go along with you!”
ME: So, in essence the world stole my joy?
JESUS: Yes! You must realize, however, that I was with you but you just didn’t recognize Me.
ME: Please forgive me!
JESUS: I already have.
Oh, I feel you Christmas
I know I've found you
You never fade away, oh
The joy of Christmas
Stays here inside us
Fills each and every heart with love, enough to last until December 25, 2022!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neDTNYlEWIo Where Are You Christmas?