12.23.2008

Almost There!

With all the hurry and rushing I've been doing, I was grateful yesterday to recall a thought that I had saved some years ago:

"For most of us, sadly, the spirit of Christmas is 'hurry'. And yet, eventually, the hour comes when the rushing ends and the race against the calendar mercifully comes to a close. It is only now perhaps that we truly recognize the spirit of Christmas. It is not a matter of days or weeks but of centuries - nearly twenty of them now since that holy night in Bethlehem. Regarded in this manner, the pre-Christmas rush may do us greater service than we realize. With all its temporal confusion, it may just help us to see that by contrast, Christmas itself is eternal." ~Burton Hills

I need to take a moment in this frenzied last period before Christmas to stop and consider and be thankful : for that miraculous birth so long ago, for His life and example, and then for the ultimate Christmas gift -- the gift of eternal life.

Christmas is eternal. I know all of us will receive wonderful gifts this year but my Christmas wish is that we all find a quiet time and place to stop and reflect and be grateful for the one gift that we all share in.

Merry Christmas!

12 comments:

Maren said...

What a fabulous thought Jan! Thanks for sharing it! :) It's good to know that Christmas lasts a whole lot longer than ANY of the gifts I'll be giving this year (or any year, for that matter!)

Anonymous said...

Great thought---as always. Thanks for sharing. I just love this time of year!

MCMULLIN FAMILY said...

Oh, wow. This is my favorite Christmas post. Just beautiful. Thank you for the wonderful quote and the inspiring thought.

Renae said...

Merry Christmas!! I love your thoughtful posts. I would love to come and visit. Yesterday as I shivered and drove through the snow and cursed my wet feet, I wondered when I could move somewhere warm! Feliz Navidad.

Unknown said...

we are getting so excited for the big day! can't wait to spend it with you guys!

MCMULLIN FAMILY said...

Hey Jan, thanks for your comment on my recent post. Do you by chance know the author of the verse I quoted? I can't find it and think it's Dear Abby or Ann Landers but am not sure. I would sure love to include the author if I can find it.

Melissa said...

Merry Christmas! Hope you have a great day with your beautiful family!

Ashley said...

Have a very merry Christmas, Sister Mason! Thanks for the Christmas card!

jenjamin said...

Excellent. I may have to copy that quote and post it too. Love it! Merry Christmas!

Geri said...

Great Christmas post and great quote!

Cammie said...

You always add such perspective!!

SweetmamaK said...

I'm saving this quote, it's beautiful,. You are always awesome with your quotes and a pick me up. love ya