As we pack up Christmas, the lights, the decor, the nativity scene - do we also return to ordinary life? What is ordinary and what does it look like? Life as usual...as Christians we are called to celebrate Christmas as the day of our Savior's birth. In a time when saying "Merry Christmas!" is discouraged, many of us proclaim our faith by wishing those around us a Merry Christmas. Our homes, decorated and filled with music of the season, proclaim the celebration of God made man - brought to give us life. From the end of November to the end of December (or early January) we shine a very tangible light into the darkness - not only of our days but of the world.
Then we pack it all up. Yet our calling to have the light of the Spirit shine thru us does not get packed up in those boxes. I think the challenge is to continue to shine! Sharing our faith, letting the Spirit guide our days, words and actions. Living it out without the decor of Christmas. Emmanuel is not supposed to be a seasonal theme. God with us - always not just in the dark days of winter, but in "ordinary" life as well.
As the decor in my home settles back into ordinary, may I not settle into the comfort of ordinary but allow life to be extraordinary led by God. May I not loose my focus on the incredible gift of life that is with me. The Spirit that dwells within me. I have landed on my verse for 2012, the first time I have chosen one but hoping to keep it close to my heart... living it out daily. John 1:8 "He was not the light but came to bear witness about the light." May I remember that Jesus called me and created me to not be the light, but simply to share His light with this dark world.
On the cusp of a new year.... what will be your focus? Would love to hear your thoughts.
On the cusp of a new year.. what will be your focus?
