Christmas

I wrote this in church this morning because I was feeling more frustrated with Christmas than able to enjoy it and expressing things makes me feel better...
The joy that fills my heart today doesn't come from lights or trees and bows.
It isn't a 'season' like winter or spring that comes with regularity and without any asking.
How did we get here - so mixed up and confused? Worshiping presents and family instead of the Savior - Emmanuel.
That God could so humble himself - so lowly as to even fit inside of a womb...
The God of the universe who spread out the heavens and calls forth the dawn chose to enter into our smallness, our frailty and pain, our meagerness and shame.
Not so we can decorate our homes, give a feast, and sing carols so familiar.
But to rescue us, to forefit his own life for ours, ot manifest hope for the entire world.
The manger wasn't lofty - strung with lights and shiny paper, that was never God's style.
So, what are we doing? Can we still find Jesus in all the extravagance of Christmas? Who are we celebrating and is He honored in our traditions?
I don't want to be awed by the size of the tree, the number of gifts or the beauty of the decor and miss the meekness of Jesus.
Oh God, let it be that we are awed by your sacrifice and by your fleshly life alone.
Let this be our worship and the joy that flows from our souls, for the coming of Jesus and the fulfillment of life's purpose.
Let the elegance fade away till we are awed with YOU there in the stable bowing before you in adoration of the coming of God into the world - thank you Jesus!