Do You Hear What I Hear?

One of my favorite Christmas commercials is the one with all the Hershey’s Kisses lined up like a Christmas tree ringing out “We Wish You A Merry Christmas”.  It’s simple, clean and it just makes me happy.   Here’s the problem:  I saw it on TV last night.  And it’s only the beginning of November.

The Holidays.  They have a sound all their own, don’t they?  They stand like a child playing Hide and Go Seek exclaiming, “Ready or not, here I come!”  

Now, I know some of you have been full-on in the Christmas zone since October, maybe even July – bless you for your commitment!  I just can’t do it.  I’m one of those girls that does not play a drop of Christmas music before the day after Thanksgiving.  Sort of because I want to purely celebrate Thanksgiving, mostly because I so enjoy the anticipation of jumping in with both feet the day after.

I absolutely love the holidays.  But as I stand two weeks away from Thanksgiving, and the holiday rumble grows in the distance, I wonder if I’m ready. 

How do we as women intentionally “do” the holidays?  

For some it’s highly anticipated and the most wonderful time of the year.  For others it is painful and full of reminders of what isn’t.  What is it for you?

There’s a verse that’s been mulling around my heart for the past few weeks:

“In quietness and trust is your strength.”  Isaiah 30:15

These are God’s words, spoken to His people during the time of the prophet Isaiah.  Even back in the day they were a people on the go, flying by the seat of their pants with their hair on fire.  Sound familiar?

I’ve discovered that it’s one thing to acknowledge I am too busy.  It’s quite another thing to actually slow down and have some quietness and trust in my Savior.  The word quietness in the Hebrew means to be tranquil, to be at peace, to rest and be undisturbed.  It’s like a quieting of my heart, with the Lord giving me permission to take both a literal physical rest as well as a heart rest with Him.  Trust means just that.  A confidence that Jesus is in control.  

In quietness and trust is my strength.  

What if we actually believed that our strength doesn’t come from gearing up, powering through and gutting it out?  What if we believed that our strength comes from a quieted heart – a heart that pauses, long enough to trust in our good and amazing God?

Here’s our challenge:

1. Take some time (soon) to anticipate this holiday season with the Lord.  Quiet your heart before Him.  Breathe.  Read through Isaiah 30:15.
2. Ask Him to reveal your emotions or anticipated desires for the holidays.  Talk to Him about it.  Tell Him about every drop of joy you are dreaming of.  Tell Him how much you’re dreading seeing “that” relative. Whatever it is, find some extended space and some time to be open with Him.
3. If you have some specific things you want or hope to do, bring these before Him. Ask Him to help you be Spirit-led with intentional time, energy and love towards others.
4. Lean back into Him.  Allow Him to be your source, your strength.

I want to “do” the holidays well.  Full of joy and intentionally loving those around me.  So instead of letting Hershey have all the fun, let’s allow God to ring in the season, with His joy and love (and strength), for this most wonderful time of the year.