~1. STOP, LOOK, AND LISTEN:
If you discover yourself becoming dulled to the joys of
the season, STOP! Slow the pace down and become still,
taking time to LOOK and LISTEN. Take a winter walk,
curl up in a favorite chair or before the fireplace.
Helen Keller once observed,
"The seeing see little."
So feel the comfort of the glow of a candle,
or the red of the poinsettias.
Listen with new ears to laughter and bells,
and to the expression of love of found
in the story of the first Christmas.
~2. BE WILLING TO BE SURPRISED:
Remember that God can come in the least likely ways -
a Holy Child born in a village stable,
a brightly shining star,
an angel song in the night sky.
Watch for Him to come in equally surprising ways to you, too. When we live as if God is going to "surprise" us at any moment, in any way, in any place, then He usually does!
~3. FIND WAYS TO ANTICIPATE CHRISTMAS:
How about keeping an advent calendar?
Commit yourself to perform at least one
special act of kindness for each day of advent.
Write a note, letter, card or
e-mail to someone to express your gratitude,
to tell someone you love them,
to forgive an old hurt,
or just to count your blessings.
~4. FREE YOUR CHILDLIKE SPIRIT:
Jesus held up childlikeness as a quality to be cultivated.
(Mark 10:15)
Children are experts at dreaming up simple
things as delights that adults don't,
or have forgotten how to do.
Can't you picture a little boy singing
"Jingle Bells" to a plastic Jesus in a store?
Christmas often comes in precious moments like this,
when we spontaneously show our adoration
for the Baby in the manger.
~5. SHARE THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS
WITH SOMEONE ELSE:
Nothing multiplies the sense of wonder in your life like
giving it away. The more you share
(not just things, but yourself)
the brighter Christmas grows.
I hope that these simple steps will help you,
or someone you can share these with,
keep the wonder and excitement of
Christmas alive during this busy season.
Just remember that
"Jesus is the reason for the season."
