Most years Chris and I feel like the holidays are so crazy busy that we’ll just be relieved when it’s all over…how about you? Even during this strange COVID year we find that as we get closer to THE DAY it seems like there’s just not enough time to get everything done. Even family caregivers get caught up in the mad rush and your care schedule seems to turn upside down in all the hubbub!
This year I think we all needed Christmas to come a little early. I know people who put their Christmas trees up on November 1! Shopping for gifts has been largely done online to avoid being out in public places and risk contracting the virus. The postal service, always extremely busy during this time of year, has seen its’ volume increase exponentially as COVID impacts this sector of our society as well. Seasonal concerts and performances became virtual events, family gatherings have been cancelled, and even churches are advised to suspend meeting in person as the virus continues to spread following our Thanksgiving celebrations across the country. Hospital wards are full, people are dying, and while the vaccine rolls out, we begin to hear the warnings of negative side effects and unknown dangers to come. Wow, what a Christmas this is setting up to be!
But wait, the bad news isn’t all there is. It’s easy to get caught up in all the bad news and begin to believe you have nothing to celebrate, but that is just not true!
We all need to stop, take a deep breath, and remember our reason for celebration.
Jesus was born into a world that was chaotic, messy, and in political turmoil. He came at a time that was terribly inconvenient for Mary and Joseph, since they were traveling and didn’t even have a place to spend the night. He came at a time when nobody was expecting him, nobody was ready for him, and nobody even cared…except for the angels, and the shepherds, and the wise men, and the impact of His coming grew from there. Jesus came to bring Christmas! When Jesus was born, people everywhere, throughout the ages, got the best gift ever. It came at an unimaginable cost and was given without restriction to everyone throughout the ages, including you and me. That gift, come as an infant, grew to be the savior of the world!
This Christmas season I’d like to invite you to join Chris and me as we reflect on the true reason for our Christmas celebration, and find our rest in the One who loves every one of us, warts and all. As we sing the carols, light candles, and read scripture, let us all be filled with an overflowing sense of joy, hope, peace, and love. Let His light shine through as you care for those in your life who depend upon you.
Chris and I wish you a very merry Christmas, and we hope you will join us at HeartoftheCaregiver.com and share your heart about who Jesus is to you in this season of light and hope.
Heart of the Caregiver 