Christmas is Coming

It is a unique experience to be in Hawaii at Christmastime. I’ve been able to recognize how much of the traditions, surroundings and atmosphere effect the “Christmas spirit”. I was distraught about it for a few days...not feeling like it was Christmas and wondering what to do about it! And you know what zaps it instantly? Seeing a roach crawl up the wall!  It’s not cold, I’m wearing shorts, there are no fires being built in the fireplace, it’s too hot for hot chocolate, we don’t have our usual decorations adorning the house and we certainly don’t have a calendar full of festive parties to attend. So I was challenged—what is Christmas really all about? Yes, those things may uplift our spirits and bring cozy, warm feelings, but the atmosphere of Christmas is so much more than all of that. What my heart and soul long for is that the gift of Christ’s birth shape this season. This year may feel different, but God’s divine, miraculous and loving gift for us does not change, not matter the circumstance.

There is something quite freeing about recognizing our expectations, acknowledging what we feel, and then changing our perspective. Since I have this new awareness, I’m able to experience the Christmas spirit in new and unique ways. I’m reading Come Let Us Adore Him by Paul David Tripp. I listen to Emily P. Freeman’s Quiet Collection for Christmas. I made a commitment to walk the beach each morning while listening to Christmas music. (Hillsong Worship, Christmas: The Peace Project on Spotify) My mind can focus, my heart can rejoice and my soul can be filled with gratitude—not only for the incredible beauty that surrounds me, but for the incredible gift I’ve been given in Jesus. God Himself. Hope. Peace. The promise of Emmanuel-God with us.

I see the waves break, the water rushing up the shore, then easing back. I see the water seep deep into the sand as it settles. Watch it here.  Oh Lord, may your Spirit seep deep into my soul this season. May the songs we sing, the conversations we have, the fellowship with family and friends reflect Your glory and Your truth. May our hearts be filled with joy and gratitude for the amazing love you’ve demonstrated to us.

We took Lilly to her first concert and saw Lauren Daigle in Honolulu. As she sang her song, Everything, my eyes welled up with tears. “You give me everything. You give me everything. You give me everything I need.” I am overwhelmed with the love, the mercy and the provision of our Father to give us just what we need...everything we need. And it sometimes is very different than what we were expecting.

So as December is upon me, I will take notice and celebrate the unique opportunity that my family has. Palm trees with lights. Days on the beach. Cooler evenings. A little 4 foot artificial tree. Mailing Christmas packages afar. Songs of Christmas joy and celebration. Time with new friends. Making memories to last a lifetime.

Take heart, friends. However your circumstances are different this year—good or bad—God is near. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

Your battle is not lost in His sight. You are not alone. You are loved. And worth so much in His sight. 

Merry Christmas. Mele Kalikimaka.

Molly