Christmas in December

Last weekend my family and I (the Dutch side) opened our gifts.
For one thing, I would have to say I'm loving the fact that the presure is off. No running through the mall dragging a toddler who keeps asking if he can buy things. No waiting in line to change a diaper in the mall washroom. Christmas shopping is over and donw while everyone else seems to be just starting.

And then there is the best plus side of all. My Christmas this year is going to be focused on Christ. Of course we are still having a huge family get together (and a wedding), but all of the anticipation and focus is now focused on the really important thing, the fact that my saviour came down to earth and humbled himself. He became one of us, he had earthly parents who failed him (sleeping in a manager when you are just hours old, I'ld say that's a failure)He had to live in a sinful and dirty world. And yet he came for me and you.

I thought opening our gifts so early would impact Christmas and all of the excitement but it hasn't. I'm really enjoying how it has changed my focus from giving to receiving. I can know dwel on the fact that I need that little baby to come and save me. He's the only one who can. And I can receive that good new with Great joy instead of trying to find Joy in the crazyness of consumerism.