We strung the Christmas lights around the tree the weekend before Thanksgiving this year. It was earlier than usual for us, but the day was quiet and in our hearts it felt right to slowly welcome in the Advent season. My word this year has been “savor,” and as I unwrapped ornaments and pieces of our nativity, it felt nice to allow the moments to settle over us instead of hurrying through to simply check the task off the holiday to-do list.
Without the hustle and bustle of years past, I was able to enjoy my 4 year old’s help and wonder as she ignored my request to not put all the ornaments in the same spot of the tree. And when she asked why we decorate our home for Christmas when the holiday is about celebrating Jesus’ birth, I was able to share that for us, the lights on our tree, and the lights we put outside, and the lights on her tiny tree in her room – those are all reminders for us during the Christmas season that God sent His Son to be a light to the world. That was and is His gift to us, and now our gift to others is to be that same special light – not just at Christmas, but throughout the year.
Scripture tells us in Genesis 12:2 that God had a plan for Abram, not simply to bless him, but for Abram to then be a blessing to others. Yes, Abram’s name would be great and his offspring would become a great nation, but he would also be a blessing.
Join me over at (in)courage today for 10 ways to be a blessing – and share your ideas in the comments!