Caught up in the moment.

     This Christmas season why don't we NOT get caught up in he moment.  Wouldn't that be nice?  No rushing, no pressure, no expectations, no commitments, no planes to catch or miles to drive and the presence of mind to breathe.  That's not going to happen.  We Christian people have a focus for the Christmas season.  That focus is the coming to earth of the Son of God for the salvation of the people from their fallen state.  That focus is on the Christmas story and all that the story entails.  For many Christians this is not the focus of our being caught up in the moment.  For many it's everything but Jesus in the manger.  As with past Christmas', this Christmas will be met with spending outside our abilities, eating like it's our last supper, and fighting over sale items.  Caught up in the moment is our choice.  We can choose the quiet birth of Christ or the madness of commercial Christmas.  However, you cannot choose both.  You and I can only serve one master.  Will it be Jesus or will it be the status quo? 
     For some the gifts under the tree (if they have one) will be homemade.  Perhaps picture frames made with old Popsicle sticks inserted with cut out pictures from last years Christmas cards.  I remember doing that very thing.  Maybe it will be a coupon book for someone that will be redeemed over the coming year for babysitting, car washing or something similar.  Maybe it will be a scarf knitted together in the secrecy of night after everyone has gone to bed.  You just don't know what will make people the happiest.  Should we get caught up in the Christmas moment what we give and get will be secondary to Jesus.  The gifts will be remembered because they had special meaning.  In this day and age of more, faster and better the remembrance is less if at all.  Watching your children preforming at church in their homemade costumes and being prompted for the lines they have never learned is precious.  Cookies homemade and fresh at the celebration afterwards is just as important. 
     Caught up in the moment means to be so mesmerized that nothing can take away that moment.  This year the competition for Christmas gifts began in July if I remember right.  The holiday of Thanksgiving was all but forgotten as stores were ramping up for Black Friday that began the week before.  Caught up in the moment of our worlds state of unrest, war, tragedies and what "might" happen changed our moments into paused time.  Worry about our safety, their safety, our children's safety and how to protect us took away any remaining peace.  Leaders who refuse to lead, politicians who fail to see beyond their bias and prejudice and people who seem intent on igniting a racial war have stolen the moment.  Caught up in all of this we have little time to dwell on the birth of the Savior of the world, Jesus.  The story of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus is overshadowed by the distraction of that moment we are all caught up in. 
     I'm choosing to be caught up in the moment honoring and celebrating the birth of Christ.  What is your choice?