"Trying to Give Jesus the Day Off"

I met some of my girlfriends at Starbucks for a little Christmas cheer...we had to schedule our "Girlfriend Christmas Gathering" for the day after Christmas instead of any of the days leading up to Christmas because we are moms and you know what the moms are busy doing in the days leading up to Christmas...

-We are making the last minute trip to the mall because our children waited until Christmas Eve to decide what they'd like to get for one another
-We are baking a few more batches of cookies because our family has been pilfering them even though we warned them they were for "the company"
-We are wrap, wrap, wrapping gifts
-We are stamping cards and getting them mailed
-We are grocery shopping for dinner, breakfast and midnight snacks.
-We are basically busy trying to make this the BEST CHRISTMAS EVER!

So there we were this morning...thoroughly exhausted but glad to be together. While we laughed and cried and recounted our Christmas day festivities one of my friends said something that had us in hysterics. As she told us about her Christmas with her extended family she said

"I tried to give Jesus the day off-after all it was his birthday-but I ended up having to call on him for help ALL DAY LONG!!!"

After we had picked ourselves up off the tile floor (from falling off of our chairs in laughter) we talked about how glad we are that we worship a God who takes great pleasure in being "an ever present help in times of need." We said "Hallelujah" right there in Starbucks as we reminded one another that He loves us UNCONDITIONALLY and loves it when we call on him...even if it is his birthday! Actually, I think especially if it is his birthday! We left our time together feeling blessed by the reminder of the love between us and the love of a Savior who CHOSE to condescend to becoming a human being on Christmas morning so that all day, every day for as long as we live we can call him by name "Emmanuel--God With Us."

Merry Christmas Moms...I hope it was Magnificent and if it was less than Magnificent that you call on the One who is. Ask Him to come quickly and remind you of his everlasting presence in your life.
Love,
Tracy Klehn

Christmas Bliss by Tracy Klehn

The wrapping is deep, the baking is sticky
My mood quickly turns from okay to "icky"
It's the first week of December and I really had wished
This year would be different...I'd have Christmas Bliss

Yes, I really had hoped that my home would look great
With garland and bows flowing every which way
But the boxes are not even down from upstairs and
The kids have the flu from the germs they have shared

The baking's not done and I still need to shop
The Christmas cards stare at me from their closed box
I need an appointment to get my hair done
But it looks like she's booked 'til 3001!

The family photos we took turned out really bad
My husband looks great but I just look mad
So here I am kneeling at the foot of the bed
Crying out "Why does this happen?" as tears I do shed

"This season's about You and your wonderful birth
How your love came down personally to change the whole earth
I want it to be special, I want to show love
But look at me now, I can't even budge!"

With head bowed down low I feel something new
A peace flowing through me and a joy that feels true
Surrender my child the voice seems to say
I am with you right now so don't be afraid

I'll strengthen your body and renew your mind
I'll guide all your steps just ask and you'll find
Lay down all your worries and I'll give you good cheer
Watch as I work, feel me draw near

Christmas Bliss you are seeking yet the place you must start
Is delighting in Me for the desires of your heart
Open my Word, I'll speak to you there
Pour out your heart, I hear all your prayers

Rise from your knees now and turn towards My Way
Embrace all the gifts that I bring you this day
I want you to know you were made for my bliss
Now share with the world this true Christmas Kiss

"You created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created."
Revelations 4:11 NLT