The Christmas Challenge

Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth.

Psalm 46:10

Thank you for joining me during this holy week.

You may wonder why I chose a photo of the Magic Kingdom instead of some manger scene, snowy Christmas tree or church choir.

Well, I’ve always considered Christmas a magical time of the year. I want fairytale moments at Christmas. Surprise. Wonder. Romance. Beauty. Magic.

And when my Christmas experience isn’t living up to those things, I get a tad bit grumpy and depressed. You know, leaning more toward the Grinch than Santa.

So a couple of weeks ago, I asked God to help me experience Christmas in a new and fresh way.  

To my surprise, He answered my prayer rather quickly!

As I sat in church listening to very familiar Christmas carols, I began to get a fresh understanding.

I saw the words of O Holy Night scroll across the big screens in the auditorium. I like that because it made me take a good look at the words and really think about them.

I’ll be honest. Until this year, O Holy Night had never been one of my favorites. It’s slow, somber and kind of boring. I prefer the upbeat Hark the Herald Angels Sing or Joy to the World.

But this year, I’ve seen it in a whole new way.  I’ll share those thoughts with you over the next two days.

Until then, take the challenge. Ask God to help you see and experience Christmas in a new and joyful way this year. I know He will do it for you too!

Dear Lord, Help me to be still and glorify you this Christmas season. Show me the good news in a fresh way. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Stacy