When was the last time you were so overcome by joy you felt like skipping? No, really. Actual skipping. Do you remember? You have to be light-hearted to skip. Seriously. Just try to skip with a heavy heart. It’s tough.

Christmas Awe

How about the last Christmas you were really excited? Do you remember a moment of Christmas awe as a child? Maybe it was the sight of presents under the tree. Maybe it was your first glimpse of a Santa’s village or sitting on the lap of the big man himself. Maybe it was even the view of Christmas dinner from your eyes just over the plate of abundant food and a table that seemed to go on for miles.

If you’re over 10, it may have been awhile. I love it when teenagers are still excited for Christmas and even if they’re trying to be cool, still don’t sleep that well on Christmas Eve and find themselves awake early. Presents anyone?

On Our Way to the Manger

How do we recapture child-like wonder? I think we have to come to the Child. And on our way to the manger we need to strip off every burden we’ve been carrying, every concern we’ve picked up this year. We need to lay down every stress, every adult responsibility and come.

I know it can be challenging, but intentionally find a quiet place sometime this week and just sit with Jesus. Whether you turn on the Christmas tree lights and curl up on the couch with a cup of tea or if you take a walk in the crisp winter air, find that place where you can calm your heart and mind enough to think. Dwell. Meditate.

Jesus

Think about what Jesus did when He lowered Himself to come into our world as a Baby. A baby born to save us all. He did it so we would know He has experienced this life just as we have. Then He overcame it. Now He reaches out His hand to us and says, “Let me carry that load on your back.”

Child-like wonder. A light heart. Exactly what we will feel when we give all our cares up to our Lord and just think about His expression of love for us. You can see it. Right there in the manger.

How can you make this Christmas your favorite Christmas memory?