John Mark Comer, author of The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry encourages all of us to index our hearts toward gratitude during this season. Hurry corrupts everything; our spiritual journey toward people of love, our capacity just to present to the goodness of God and each moment that we inhabit.

Don’t get sucked into the hurry. Slow down. Be present.

Presence is the best present we can give to the person in front of me.

Part of focusing on being present is contemplating what I LOVE about CHRISTmas!

1. I love the Christmas story from Luke 2 several times in the season.
2. I love attending Christmas concerts. (You can even rewatch your favorite musical events while snuggled up on the couch with your family.)
3. I love Christmas decorations. Stop to enjoy the hard beauty of decorations while you are out and in your own home.
4. I love giving gifts. I even enjoy wrapping presents if I start early enough.
5. I love making our family gingerbread house.
6. I love cooking special foods.
7. I love the excuse to be friendlier than normal. With all that is hard about this season, be an encouragement by seeing people, acknowledging them and practicing kindness.
8. I love being with immediate and extended family.
9. I love more time reading scripture as this season gives opportunity to indulge in an advent study.
10. I love sending and receiving Christmas cards.
11. I love giving to someone in need. Look for a need around you. Meet that need.
12. I love spending time every day reading from our Advent book.
13. I love knowing that this celebration is Christ’s birthday.
14. I love an excuse for Christmas coffee.
15. I love making cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning.
16. I love Christmas music…especially new music mixed with the familiar tunes.
17. I love an excuse to take yummy food to neighbors and friends.
18. I love to enjoy quiet times near the Christmas lights of our tree. It is those simple pleasures that are some of the very best moments of the season.
19. I love thinking about someone who needs extra encouragement because they are alone or are struggling with something hard. Devising a way to lighten the burden is key to being the hands and feet of Jesus at Christmas. Sometimes that means including them in a group event or sometimes it mean spending time enjoying a conversation around the fireplace with a yummy hot drink.
20. I love to enjoy the scripture and music of Christmas which leads me to meditate on the joy of Christ’s coming to earth. When my heart is full, my hands can be open to share love.

Augustine’s words remind us that “God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.” Lean into the truth that God loves you and me so deeply. He is fond of you. He is fond of me. Open up God’s Word when you have time alone and read out loud to yourself. Read His words out loud with your family.

Be overwhelmed in this love when you meditate on the gift of the Christ child.

Join me for a conversation with Tim on Embrace Your Everyday podcast.

For more inspiration on Christmas…

10 Ideas for a Centered Christmas

The Little Known Story of Silent Night

High Hopes and Low Expectations for Christmas

More Presence than Presents at Christmas