O Holy Night

I really hate holiday shopping.
I love how everything is decorated, and the endless Christmas music.
But, Christmas shopping is different than shopping any other time of the year. I don't like the feeling of stress that you have to get a gift, a good, thoughtful, meaningful gift. And once you've labored and bit your lip and searched every store with the days running out you must face the lines that start from the parking lot.
I love to give people gifts. I love them more when I see them throughout the year, or come by one that fits someone in my life so perfectly. Therefore, I find Christmas shopping so incredibly laborious because I feel forced. Then I feel redundant, and then my Christmas spirit drains like the spilt coffee in the overcrowded food court. I forget Christmas. I forget the reason.
It happens every year. I'm not really sure how to amend it.
I would say it is my New Years resolution to start Christmas shopping in January so I am prepared (along with my wallet). But that just feeds into the popularity of Christmas and it starting too soon.
So. I will brave the malls and shops and lines.
Because you're worth it.
So know that any gift you receive from me always has a meaning behind it. There was an "ah-ha" moment where I knew that was the gift I had been looking for.

On another note.
I sing this song every year, and write it off as another Christmas classic.
I think of Home Alone, and how Julie always sang it Christmas Eve.
But this Christmas-time I've actually just begun to listen to it.
Look at these beautiful and convicting lyrics:

O Holy Night!
The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees!
Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine! O night,
O Holy Night , O night divine!
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King!
Before him lowly bend! Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord!
Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

This song is a sigh of relief. Finally rest and comfort has come to those so weary of heart.
Fall.on.your.knees.
Take that most vulnerable position and thank God for His blessing.
Thank God for his Son.