Jesus is born! Now what?

Now we pack everything back up, and trash the rest. Every card, wreath, ornament, CD, towels, dishes and the nativity.

The greatest news in all of life! And yet after just a few short weeks, every remnant of remembrance and celebration is swept away - stored in some unseen attic for another 11 months.

Jesus is born. Our Savior is born! Here He finally is! And something in my heart is telling me to... remember.

Jesus is born! Hallelujah!
Jesus is born! Joy to the world!
Let every heart prepare Him room.
But not the attic...

My Father's house has many rooms; if that we not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am. (John 14:2-3)

In a few short days, we'll be un-decorating and decluttering our spaces from all the holiday sparkle, color and shine. But I want a remnant of this most joyous occasion to remain. That You also, Lord, may be where I am. So if you visit my house in the year ahead, you may just find a small nativity tucked on a shelf. Keeping all this Christmas joy in view.

A Savior is born! He is born indeed!

But Mary kept all these things like a secret treasure in her heart. She thought about them over and over. (Luke 2:19 NIRV)

Christmas eve pause

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

I was recently asked about my favorite holiday. It has to be Christmas eve. Yes. Christmas eve. The time for planning, preparing, shopping, going and doing... is done. There's just that pause. It may be a peaceful sitting by Christmas tree light. All is calm. All is bright. And time stands still. Tomorrow is coming with all its happiness - but for now - there's only these moments of sighing and breathing. Rest. And perhaps a first real chance to feel the impact of the Savior's birth. The long time promise from an unseen God - now seen in tangible form! Joy to the world! The long-expected Jesus!

On Christmas eve the baking smells still linger in the house. The lights on the tree still sparkle. Silent Night from the church service still humming through my mind. A cup of hot cocoa as I curl up on the couch with grandma's quilt (and a cat or two). Appreciating the beauty of this Christmas eve. It is here and it is now.

I've spent a good portion of my life in the getting, going, planning, prepping phase. But as I sit here in this Christmas eve pause, I would like to embrace it much more often. I'd like to end each day with a sigh, a breath and to remember, to feel, the impact of the Savior born for me.

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn, O weary one.
What a thrill of hope!

But Mary kept all these things like a secret treasure in her heart. She thought about them over and over. (Luke 2:19 NIRV)