The last few weeks leading up to Christmas often become a race to the finish line. We must arrange for out-of-town friends and family to purchase last-minute gifts and to practice one more time for the church Christmas concert. The list seems never-ending as we prepare to make the season as perfect as possible. We appear to disappear in a sea of endless shoppers, scrambling frantically to make our family Christmas the best holiday known to man.

     I find myself getting caught up in the mad race until something catches my attention and seems to say, “Where is the joy?” Somehow, I leave the mad rush and focus on the reason to celebrate. My heart sings a new song as I remember that gratitude and hope can bring peace even in the midst of chaos. I celebrate the birth of the One who saved the world. How can I maintain a joy-filled spirit?

     Through the season of Advent, I swept my spiritual house clean, but I cannot forget to stop and rejoice in the hope that love will make its presence known to all of us. I do the work I have to accomplish, but I must never forget to spend time with God. Including God in my daily life helps me feel closer to Him. We await the sacred birth, but we must not forget to pay homage to God. The purpose of the season is to include God in our going in and coming out.

     What do you do to include God in the middle of the chaos surrounding you? What reminds you to remember the one who saved you? These are questions that must always be at the forefront of our minds. How can God be praised?