It is Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!!!

We are not fancy at the old farmhouse. Not even close. :)

However, I have been busy creating a cozy and comfortable home for the holidays!! And, I must say, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the old farmstead! From the plump Christmas tree with dancing white lights to gatherings around the sticky kitchen table to visits with friends, I love everything Christmas!

However, one thing that is challenging this time of year is the rush of this hectic season. In the midst of our busy lives, the days can feel overwhelming. It is in this space that I have realized the profound importance of taking a step back and spending quiet moments in reflection and connection with the Lord. This realization has become increasingly vital as I navigate through the chaos because sometimes it is so busy that it is hard to keep up!

Do you feel like there is little time to enjoy the beauty of Christmas? Are you lost in the rush? Sometimes, I am but here is one simple truth that is helping me.

Practice the art of pausing!

Pause to hear the Christmas carols.

Pause to soak in the Christmas story.

Pause to see the delight or perhaps hurt in the eyes of others.

Pause to see where God can use you to help your neighbor.

Pause to sit with your Savior.

By quietly pausing, I find solace and strength, allowing the worries of the day to fade away as I focus on the presence of love and grace that surrounds me. I invite you to join me in this transformative practice. Consider setting aside a few moments each day to engage with your Lord. By making a conscious effort to sit with our Savior, we not only nurture our own souls but also create a ripple effect of peace and love in the world around us.

As you pause, hope and joy are yours for the taking! Hope is found in the goodness of the message of the Christmas story (Luke 2). Joy is found in the truth of the baby Jesus.

So friend, no matter your style of decor or whether you have decorations up this year or not, my message from the old farmhouse is the same- Let's practice the pause. Pause to remember the reason for the season. When we do, we will find hope and joy.

"And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2

Merry Christmas!