By Stewart Holloway
Are you going to miss Christmas? It’s only December 2, but the schedule is already busy! If you’re like our family, you’ve looked at your calendar and asked, “What nights do we actually have free in the next 23 days?” The answer? Not many. I even declined an invitation last night because of another obligation already booked! That won’t be the last time that happens.
We are so busy with Christmas that it is easy to blow right past it and miss what this season is all about. We …need to hear again the angels saying, “Hark!” That archaic word means, “Listen! Pay attention! Don’t miss this!” In order to “hark”, you have to slow down, find a quiet spot, and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. When you do, you will hear the gentle whisper, “Don’t miss this!” The “this” is that God came to us! He is Emmanuel, God WITH us!
For our church’s Hanging of the Green service this year, I wrote the following poem. Reflect on it as this month begins:
Don’t miss Christmas? “How could I?” you say.
With the carols, presents, and Santa’s red sleigh?
My house is decked out. My schedule is full.
There’s no way I can miss Christmas! You must be a fool!
Maybe so, I would say. But many have, you know
Even with all the lights and candles aglow
Hustling and bustling their frantic pace
Causes them to blow right past the moment of grace
When God came down to a manger so meek
Right there among cattle, chickens, and sheep.
There in that stable, a Savior was born
He is the reason we have Christmas morn
Our presents remind us of His gift so great
Not that we asked Santa for some fancy new skates!
Our feasting is to celebrate His holy birth
Not merely to expand our more than ample girth
Don’t miss Christmas! It’s so easy to do.
Friend, slow down and remember
God came to you.
Stewart Holloway is pastor of First Baptist Church in Pineville. This editorial first appeared on his Facebook page.
