At this time of year in many parts of the country, the outdoors is transformed into a magical place as pristine blue-white snowflakes fall to blanket the dreariness and drab colors that remained after the beautifully colored leaves of fall dropped to the
ground. For those areas without snow, holiday lights strung in windows, in doorways and on trees can make the humblest of structures appear enchanted and festive. Everywhere we turn, Christmas carols fill the air. Our childlike wonder awakes and, for a brief moment, we feel the joy and expectation of the holiday season.
Until we have to go shopping.
While the stores have Christmas decorations up and have well-remembered carols playing in the background, holiday cheer is blatantly amiss amongst the majority of the masses as they try to navigate their shopping carts down store aisles that more closely resemble rush hour traffic that is at a near stand-still. Some, impatient to get the items they need, plow rudely and heedlessly through other holiday shoppers with dogged determination and without so much as an “excuse me”as they cut others off, then bang and bump on their selfish way, ticking off both the items on their list as well numerous people along their route.
And yet, even in the midst of all of this stress and chaos of this shopping experience, simple childlike wonder could still be found.
We heard her singing before we actually saw her. A four-year-old girl was sitting in a shopping cart as her expectant mother tried to maneuver their cart through the store.
Completely oblivious to the stress, impatience and disgusted looks on the faces of the adults around her, she sat intently playing with a small toy while she absent-mindedly sang a Christmas song to herself. It was obvious that she felt no stress, was completely secure in her environment, and knew that she was safe with her mother watching over her.
There were several of us standing around – in yet another buggy traffic jam – who couldn’t help but hear the words she sang. This melodic reminder out of the mouth of a child about the joy of the holiday season helped to mitigate some of the hectic feelings that had been growing since we had entered the store. We smiled towards this precious singing soul before turning to also share the smile with our buggy-neighbors. Many of the hearers began to hum along with her and, as they gently eased their buggy on their way, were no doubt better able to enjoy the remainder of their shopping experience.
Seeing this little girl and her mother in the midst of the holiday craziness was a beautiful reminder of the relationship between God and His children.
As His child, we do not have to carry anxiety.
Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petitions, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
As His child, we can feel secure because He is always with us.
Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
As His child, we are safe in His care.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.”
Once we accept the assurance of God’s promises, we will be able to perform tasks in our life with more ease as we live in the security of His constant care. And with a joyful heart, we can sing our praises to Him.
Start your Christmas gift exchange early this year. God has a very special gift to give you and there’s nothing better you can give to Him than yourself. He’s waiting for you.
Luke 18:17 “I [Jesus] tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
(For more information about forming a relationship with the Lord, see How You Can Find Him located at the top of this page.)
ground. For those areas without snow, holiday lights strung in windows, in doorways and on trees can make the humblest of structures appear enchanted and festive. Everywhere we turn, Christmas carols fill the air. Our childlike wonder awakes and, for a brief moment, we feel the joy and expectation of the holiday season.
Until we have to go shopping.
While the stores have Christmas decorations up and have well-remembered carols playing in the background, holiday cheer is blatantly amiss amongst the majority of the masses as they try to navigate their shopping carts down store aisles that more closely resemble rush hour traffic that is at a near stand-still. Some, impatient to get the items they need, plow rudely and heedlessly through other holiday shoppers with dogged determination and without so much as an “excuse me”as they cut others off, then bang and bump on their selfish way, ticking off both the items on their list as well numerous people along their route.
And yet, even in the midst of all of this stress and chaos of this shopping experience, simple childlike wonder could still be found.
We heard her singing before we actually saw her. A four-year-old girl was sitting in a shopping cart as her expectant mother tried to maneuver their cart through the store.
Completely oblivious to the stress, impatience and disgusted looks on the faces of the adults around her, she sat intently playing with a small toy while she absent-mindedly sang a Christmas song to herself. It was obvious that she felt no stress, was completely secure in her environment, and knew that she was safe with her mother watching over her.
There were several of us standing around – in yet another buggy traffic jam – who couldn’t help but hear the words she sang. This melodic reminder out of the mouth of a child about the joy of the holiday season helped to mitigate some of the hectic feelings that had been growing since we had entered the store. We smiled towards this precious singing soul before turning to also share the smile with our buggy-neighbors. Many of the hearers began to hum along with her and, as they gently eased their buggy on their way, were no doubt better able to enjoy the remainder of their shopping experience.
Seeing this little girl and her mother in the midst of the holiday craziness was a beautiful reminder of the relationship between God and His children.
As His child, we do not have to carry anxiety.
Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petitions, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
As His child, we can feel secure because He is always with us.
Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
As His child, we are safe in His care.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.”
Once we accept the assurance of God’s promises, we will be able to perform tasks in our life with more ease as we live in the security of His constant care. And with a joyful heart, we can sing our praises to Him.
Start your Christmas gift exchange early this year. God has a very special gift to give you and there’s nothing better you can give to Him than yourself. He’s waiting for you.
Luke 18:17 “I [Jesus] tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
(For more information about forming a relationship with the Lord, see How You Can Find Him located at the top of this page.)
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