From the Desk of Pastor Matt

I know it is cliché to say this, but I cannot believe Christmas is practically here, as the Grinch said. I realized that was the case when Kristi said, “Christmas is next week!” That is when I freaked out a little bit, and I wondered if the Christmas presents I had ordered would arrive on time. I started to wonder what else I had to do to get ready for Christmas. What time does Cadyn’s flight arrive on December 27? Where am I supposed to be going (other than church) for Christmas Eve? I had a lot of questions about being ready for the whole affair.

I soon realized that I had not asked the most critical questions. “Is my heart ready for Christmas?” “What is going on in my mind that is crowding out the real story of Christmas?” “What is left to be done spiritually to be ready for the celebration of the coming of the messiah?”

Allow me to answer the questions as truthfully and humbly as possible.

No, my heart is most likely not ready for Christmas. I still harbor bits and pieces of resentment and anger in my heart from past events. I am not proud to admit that, but it is the truth. I need to, again, offer forgiveness where it is needed. Even forgiveness for myself. I need to accept forgiveness.

My mind stays abuzz with day-to-day tasks and worries. Did I pay that bill? I should have already done the laundry. In fact, the whole house needs to be cleaned. Is everything ready at church for the end of Advent and Christmas Eve? Who are the friends and family members I’ve neglected and need to call or text? These are all reasonable responsibilities. However, they do overshadow the true message and meaning of Christmas.

Spiritually, I need to read and reread the gospel stories. That is just where I am. I need to be in a constant attitude of prayer. I need to take more breaks from work, chores, and hobbies so I can have more time to keep my focus on Christ. I need to give myself over to God’s desires for my life. I need to gossip less, tame my frustrations, and love more.

That is only part of what is left for me to do before I am truly ready to celebrate the Christ child coming into our world over two thousand years ago. I do not need to do it all to check off my nice list with God. I need to do those things because I love them and they are good for me and my relationship with God.

I may have accidentally made it sound like I am floundering in the spiritual winds. I am doing pretty well in my relationship with God. However, I need to do some things that will better enable me to give and receive the most this season. That is the path that we are all on. It is our own journey to Bethlehem to find Christ and welcome him into our lives.
 
Peace,
 

Pastor Matt