It’s the most wonderful time of the year
There’ll be much mistletoeing
And hearts will be glowing
When loved ones are near
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
I heard this song on the radio the other day and at first thought, ‘yeah that’s pretty true, it IS a wonderful time of year’!
As I listened and thought more about it however, I had a few realizations:
Observation #1 – Mistletoeing has become an afterthought
I’ve always heard Christmas tradition say, that when a man and woman meet underneath a mistletoe, they are obliged to kiss.
As a lighthearted custom, I find a lot of benefits to this practice…at least in the sense of showing affection!
I believe we need to express appreciation, show kindness, say ‘I love you’, and hug others much more than we often think to do…not only during this season, but in our everyday lives, whatever the time of year!
Observation #2 – Instead of hearts glowing due to family being near, I tend to see more stress, rushing, and pressure in the lives of those around me
How often do we spend more time worrying about the gifts we get for each other instead of enjoying the time we have together with our families and friends?
Next time you are around those you love, take a break from filling the egg nog, planning events for the evening, shopping, wondering whether or not the house looks okay, and simply look around at the faces you care about.
There is hardly anything that fills my heart with joy more, than being in the company of those I love!
As you stop worrying about the needless details we so often focus on, thank God for the gift of being surrounded by those He has placed in your life who make your heart glow.
Observation #3 – We lose sight as to why this is ‘the most wonderful time of the year’
In our culture of advertising, spending and consumerism, we all too easily get caught up in the busyness of the season instead of quieting our hearts and focusing on the coming of Christ.
What if, instead of being whisked up in the rush this season, we intentionally set our sights on Christ and how to spread His joy and salvation?
We need to realize the reason WHY this is a such a wonderful time of year. To me, it is embodied in Luke 2:11…
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord!”
- Let’s bring back the practice of mistltoeing – of being intentional in demonstrating love!!!
- Let’s slow down and allow time for our hearts to glow in the presence of our King and the loved ones He has placed around us!!!
- Let’s turn our eyes to Jesus and because of His coming, make everyday the most wonderful time of the year!!!
