Hot Air Balloons, Tethers, and Christmas

Like a runaway hot air balloon are my thoughts most December mornings. Before I can even prepare my first cup of coffee, my Christmas to-do list unfolds before me. Bake cookies for the neighbors, wrap gifts, prepare the Christmas menu,  write out Christmas cards, find the perfect gift for Rich, get haircuts for the boys, and on and on my list goes. All of these things are doable when done in a calm and methodical fashion. However, the craziness of the season can make them seem overwhelming, especially to someone like me, a perfectionist at heart. My thoughts seem to float around in my head unchecked and unrestrained leaving me paralyzed to do anything worthwhile other than be anxious.

As I sit down in my quiet spot these mornings leading up to Christmas, I imagine my Heavenly Father as the sole member of my minds’ hot air balloon ground crew. He grabs the ropes of my mind and firmly and lovingly reins me back in. He quiets my heart and shows me His perspective of this holy season. He speaks softly to me, influences my mind and my emotions, and shows me what He sees from His throne in heaven.

I hear Him whisper, “Remember Mary”. When hearing the angels’ news that she would bear a son and the future Messiah, Mary simply responded “I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to accept what He wants.” (Luke 1:38) She waited for no in depth explanation, no bottom line, she had no “what’s in it for me” mentality. She simply said “yes” and obeyed. She graciously submitted to the will of the Father. My heavenly Father gently asks me “Do you do this Lynn?  Do you obey Me without knowing the outcome?”

I hear His still small voice say, ”Remember the shepherds”. God’s heavenly angelic messengers didn’t announce the birth of the Messiah to royalty or people of influence. Instead, God chose to proclaim the birth to the lowliest of the low-boys and men in the fields tending sheep. (Luke 2:8-20)  My heart quickens as I am reminded that I, too, was no one of spectacular importance yet my Abba Father chose to reveal His Son to me. Praise God-I once was blind, but now I see! 

I hear His soft voice say, “Remember the gifts of the Magi”. The wise men from the East brought gifts to worship the King. (Matthew 2:11,12) I am reminded that this season is about worshipping my Savior  and not about the material gifts I give or get or how pretty the wrapped boxes are that they come in.

I sense his Spirit in me telling me “Remember Immanuel-God with us.” I am amazed as He reminds me that it’s not “God with me some of the time”. It’s not “God with me when I’ve been good”. It’s God with me. Plain and simply- God with me always-24/7. 

I hear Him speak softly “Remember the Baby”. Jesus left the comfort of His home in heaven, took on flesh, and dwelt among us the fallen and corrupt.  “And so the Word became human and lived here on earth among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness.” (John 1:14) He came for me. He came to feel human feelings much the same way I do. He experienced loss, pain, disappointment.  He came so that He could understand and relate to me and that I can, likewise, relate to Him. I am overwhelmed that He willingly took on human flesh for me and for all mankind.

Lastly, I hear whisper encouragingly “Remember Simeon and Anna.” Filled with hope and enlightened by the Holy Spirit, they both waited for years, eagerly expected the Messiah to come and rescue their precious Israel. (Luke 2:25-32,36-38) I sense God asking me “What are you hoping for, Lynn? Do you believe that I can rescue you? He emphatically says to me “I can do all things. I keep My promises. I cannot lie”.

And so, my Father, God, quiets my heart and realigns my thoughts these December mornings.  He shows me the importance of this time of the year. It’s not about singing carols, it’s not about the decorations, it’s not about the sugar cookies, it’s not the gifts. It’s about Him, my Savior. I breathe this truth in and exhale it out.  I am now ready to walk out into my day. And, like a hot air balloon, my Heavenly Grounds Crewman, releases the tethers to my renewed thoughts and I go in the direction that He has prepared for me.

“For a child is born to us, a Son is given to us.  And the government will rest on His shoulders.  These will be His royal titles.  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” ~Isaiah 9:6