Are you getting trampled on this Christmas?

What day is it again?
I don't know about you, but December always comes too fast for my liking. It barrels along like a bull in a china shop. It's a no-holds-barred-take-no-prisoners kind of month.
There are lists to make, cards to write, shopping to do, people to call and on and on...
It's a whirlwind of activity, a hum of color, carols and the scent of pine needles.
It's party after party and presents that aren't needed.
It's commercialism and consumerism at it's very best. Or worst.

Which all really flies in the face of the vision of the starry night so long ago, when the angels sang and an infant's cry pierced through the stable doors, announcing HIs presence to the world.

I know it happens every year, but it still takes me by surprise.
Usually after the first week of December, I sit down, heart palpitating because I have so much to do and can't remember half of it and I have no idea where I put my list...and then it hits me.
This is ridiculous.
I refuse to run around like a frazzled dim-witted maniac who doesn't know if she's coming or going. I refuse to let all the hustle and bustle take away my Christmas.
I love Christmas. It's probably my favorite holiday season of all.
I love the carols, the decorations, the family gatherings, the countdown until the house is filled with delicious food and my family is gathered all around me.
But none of that really has any true meaning if we don't remember what we're celebrating.
Who we're celebrating.

Imagine this scene...
There sits the stable, Mary holding her new born baby, Joseph sitting near by, reading the Bethleham Star...all is well with the world.
Just behind the stable is a huge mall. It's the first year they're open and those Bethlehamites are pretty gosh darn excited.
And, what's even better, they're having a fifty percent off sale. Doors open at five a.m.
Unfortunately, a herd of cattle and sheep are blocking the road to the mall. They're not moving, and it's almost time for the doors to open.
The only way to get there is straight through the stable.
Hmm.
A few people might stop and stare in awe at the newborn, wonder what's going on, why does this place feel so...peaceful.
But the rest?
Somebody's going to get hurt, folks.

Slow down and take a moment, remember what it's really all about.
Remember HIm.
He remembers you.