Hit the Brakes

 

It is the Eve of Christmas, and this Santa is in a hurry. He has the sirens on so he can make all the lights. His faithful Dalmatian is hanging on and the fire truck is flying past. This first responder is on the move, time is of the essence. There are addresses to reach and lives to be saved. People are counting on him and he is ready to serve.

This is the speed with which the season seems to rush as the day draws near. As I came into my house this evening, I saw the box of cards I have yet to send, sitting on the counter where I left them two weeks ago. Where have the days gone? Traffic Is terrible and patience seems to be growing thin. We are haunted by what is left undone and feel guilty about our failure to be perfect. We are in such a rush that we can easily miss the joy that we intend to celebrate.

But it is not too late. We can hit the brakes. We can stop and take a deep breath. We can still find meaning and purpose in the Christmas that is almost. We can stop by the stable and admire the baby. We can listen to Mary and Joseph as they tell their story and speak of the strange journey that brought them here.

We can stop and remember.

Who knows? Perhaps, if we are still, we can see a star that calls us. Perhaps, if we are quiet, we too can hear an angel. Perhaps, if we slow down, we can embrace the love that still comes to us at Christmas.

Peace.