Countdown To Christmas

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The Countdown To Christmas has officially begun, and I love everything about the Christmas season; the music, the snow, the smell of cookies, the sound of a crackling fire, the spirit of giving and the story of the birth of Jesus.

My Christmas tree has been up since November 3rd and now with December 1st only a few days away the clock is ticking.  There is much to be done before Christmas Day.  Decorating (for you slackers), shopping, cooking, baking, church and school programs, entertaining family/friends and lets not forget the eating.  I can't think of another holiday that brings as much planning, joy and happiness as Christmas.

This Countdown To Christmas has me thinking about how I want to see the next 26-days unfold.  Yes, I want all the people, fun, food and gifts but I also want to focus on the real celebrant, the One that Christmas is all about.  NO, I'm not talking about Santa, but the other Christmas guy--JESUS!

In the past decade, attempts have been made to strip Christmas of everything "Jesus."   The truth is, it's highly unlikely that December 25th is actually the birthday of Jesus, but it is the day that we, who call ourselves Christians, have chosen to remember His birth.

For that reason, as the Countdown To Christmas begins, and with it, pressure from outside forces pressing in to make Christmas about anything but the birth of our Savior, I want to be on Mary's Team.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, knew how to take the crazy out of Christmas.  When the angel proclaimed to her, Blessed art thou among women...she didn't try and give the job to another or say, "Sorry, I don't have time for this.  I'm planning a wedding.  I can't fit another thing on my to-do-list!"

No, when Mary received the news...she rejoiced in God her Savior. 

"Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.  
How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!"
Luke 1:46 & 47 (NLT)

How about you?  Will you join me on "Team Mary" this year?  Will you take time in the busyness of the season to remember and declare from the depth of your soul to anyone with ears to hear...or eyes to read...

"Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.  
How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!"

...and Merry Christmas!

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