Christmas hoopla has begun...let's take a pause.

It's started.

The Christmas madness has begun.

Commercials for toys and Christmas musicals have hit the airwaves.
Do I really need a trip to Branson, MO?
I think not.

The stores are stocking up with fake trees, shiny ornaments and all other things

blinky blinky
and
glittery glittery.

It all makes me take a pause.

Now, don't get me wrong,

I own my share of glittery too.

But, how did Jesus come to earth?

He came with a mystery star and a heavenly host looking down.

Jesus was born in a stable, in a humble manger,

surrounded by animals

 and straw,

and humble simple people.

Wood, straw, hay, stars, and humility.

Does shiny and blinky represent that?

Maybe as I am getting older

 shiny and blinky don't appeal anymore.

I will use all of my favorite collected things this Christmas.

But, I see Jesus, surrounded by

 simplicity.

I will remember Him and His arrival on that quiet star lit night.
I will honor Him in His humility as He came to redeem us all.

And I will honor Him in my heart remembering the way He came to earth,

not as the mall and advertisers would like me to celebrate Christmas.

Stars and greenery and a wood nativity suit Jesus.

I hope to avoid the shiny

and the plastic

versions

of Him.