I don’t know that Lisa and I have done anything to make Christmas particularly complex this year. In fact, quite the opposite should be true because we haven’t really even started the process of “getting ready” (oh, how contemporary culture has created such a horrible concept of what that means!) for Christmas. But, we’re stressed and exhausted already -- or at least I am.

God promises strength to the weary and power for the weak. That’s a nice concept, sure, but how does one really grasp it in a world that seems to pull from all directions? Stressful jobs, too many commitments, parties and other activities, way more charities than we can possibly support, family members not getting along. How does one find Christmas joy in that?

Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31)

We want to have that renewed strength, we want to run and not grow weary but it’s hard in this world, and at this time. Can we not all relate? Crowded stores, sky-high credit card bills, freezing cold temperatures How does one find Christmas joy in that?

But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.

For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. (Isaiah 43:1-3)

Strength comes from His love, His care, His support. But, how do we feel it? How does it really sustain us? How does it overcome the "life" that so consumes us? How does it turn me from a tired, over-stressed middle-aged guy with bad knees into a soaring eagle? I know it’s there but I cannot always feel it ... or perhaps I don't let myself feel it

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us,
that we should be called children of God!
And that is what we are! (I John 3:1)

The strength comes in forgetting about my "self," enduring but not living "in" the worries and things of this world that constantly yap at my heels like a Yorkshire Terrier on speed, being beyond this world, knowing that He loves me, that He had a plan for me from the moment of my conception, that my worth, my comfort, my joy, everything I have or ever will have comes from Him, not from this world. That I am His child, not the world's child.

The joy comes in showing His love to others, striving to make a difference in their life, hearing His call and following it, abiding in His love. Surrendering my life to God.

Somehow, though I cannot shirk responsibilities, I must be beyond them. I must know -- really know -- that God loves me -- know it to the point of where nothing of this world makes any difference. I must live a life that He takes delight in. What we endure in this world we sometimes refer to as "sacrifice" but that is such a strong word and it implies the idea of giving in order to receive instead of giving because we have already received. My joy this Christmas comes not from the life which seems to consume me but instead from my feeble attempts to offer myself to others as the face of Jesus ... not from "keeping up" with this world but instead from looking forward to eternity with God ... not from running around trying to follow my own voice or the world but instead from seeking His voice, His direction, His way in all that I do. The harriedness of this world isn;t going away but the Holy Spirit within me can help me rise above that.

I need constant reminders, though, to cut out all of the noise and hoopla of what the world has made a very hectic time.