Finding Christmas

[vc_row][vc_column][nd_options_text nd_options_text_tag=”p” nd_options_text_weight=”normal” nd_options_text=”by Danielle Schmidt”][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”15″][vc_column_text]Expertly decorated wreaths, beautifully lit trees, toasted marshmallow and spiced apple candles fragrance the air. Gifts with wrapping folded to points and frilly bows that didn’t come in a bag, gleaming matched ornaments hung delicately upon fragrant pine boughs. Ribbons and mistletoe, sleigh bells jingling magically and mysteriously.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]It smells like Christmas, it looks like Heaven. Then it comes. The slithering, sneaking, green feeling creeps inside, stealthy as a serpent and equally as poisonous. Envy. High personal expectations. Pressure to produce this magic from your own wand. Depression because our version doesn’t measure up. Fear that others will see us fall short. All of the ugliest emotions that boil within while we smile and compliment the beauty surrounding us.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]This beauty that was initially created to remind us of our beautiful Saviour, instead is producing everything ugly that He came to redeem.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Maybe your Elf didn’t get as many likes for his tricks as your friends’ elves. Maybe your tree looks more like a collection of arts and crafts that have been melted and mouse-nibbled from time in the attic. Your feast may be Stouffer’s instead of French chef quality and your gifts may be branded “Walmart” instead of “FAO Schwartz.”[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Perhaps your decor does measure up, but the people who come to celebrate with you don’t. Bitter old resentments and petty arguments try to steal the joy of the season. Family is a dreaded but necessary part of the holidays to you. Aching to just “get through”  what was intended to be shared with joy, peace, and love.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Yet in all of this, the perfect example arises.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If Jesus were born today, imagine Him born at the Ritz Carlton; not in a plush bed with comforts galore for he and his tired mama, but in the musty old garden shed. In a borrowed canoe, an old wheelbarrow, or maybe a long-forgotten tarp. He humbly came, to show us that the true treasure is not found in our surroundings, our status, or our creature comforts. Rather, true treasure is found in the gift of LIFE. Mary gazing into the eyes of Joseph her beloved as she snuggles her precious newborn Jesus to her breast. Oblivious to all else but that He is in His mother’s arms, satisfied with the milk and the love He needs, the baby Jesus sighs in comfort.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]This is our meaning. This is our purpose. This is where we find ourselves peaceful, contented, full of joy this season. Sighing contentedly in the Presence. Contented wherever we may find ourselves and with whoever we are blessed to share this season with.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]My friends, the plot of the enemy is to use any available distraction to keep us from following the star to the true reason we are here. Let us banish thoughts of envy with peace in knowing who we are and who we are not. I am not a seasonal interior decorator, I am a mother to a busy toddler who would undo my best attempts faster than I could place them. The ornaments aren’t gleaming, but each is special to my precious little children.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Our trees may not overflow with Santa’s best of the season, the feast may be burnt and the decor just an old Charlie Brown tree. We may feel like screaming, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?!” But amidst the hustle, the pressure, the expectations and the confrontations, let us take a moment to bow a knee to a little baby in a simple manger filled with hay. Let our hearts sing the praises of the meaning of this season and silence the voice of the enemy shouting at every corner that we are not enough…because a little baby came to show us each that we are more than enough. We are the reason He humbly came. And with Him He brings peace, love and joy to our hearts, meaning to our every breath, and joy in every season, if only we will let Him.[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”15″][vc_separator border_width=”2″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][nd_options_team nd_options_layout=”layout-4″ nd_options_title=”Danielle Schmidt” nd_options_description=”She is Mama to three perfectly imperfect kiddos who are a cute package of her greatest joys and greatest challenges. She is Wife to the best God-given gift – her man who lovingly brings out the best of her yet still loves the worst of her. Usually overwhelmed and occasionally stressed, she is homeschool Teacher, Office Manager for their business, and occasionally Housekeeper or Cook. And in the spare moments when she can dig deeper than the surface expectations, she is Writer. Called to share her struggles, triumphs, imagination and dreams on paper in hopes that someone can be encouraged.

Ocala native, Florida-loving, yet called frequently by the Carolina mountains to come enjoy the views above their sunshine land for fresh air and fresh perspective. Often found running because it is a release of pent-up stress and emotion, because of the challenge of the next big run, and possibly because she is always unofficially competing with her little sister. Family connections are the ties that bind her life together and the blessing she treasures like gold. Coffee is her worldly passion; you’ll rarely see her without a cup. Her deepest dream is to raise Godly children, create an environment of peace in her home, love her husband unconditionally and so propel him to be all he can be, and by the life she leads somehow make a positive difference in others’ lives. (“Think big” is their motto!) Graced by God daily to live amidst distractions, love amidst challenge, and somehow find balance in it all, she is Danielle C. Schmidt.

“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweet and delightful to the soul and healing to the body.”
PROVERBS 16:24 AMP”][/vc_column][/vc_row]