Three days until Christmas. How are you?

How is your peace?

It is all too easy to forget the meaning of Christmas in the rush, wrap and hurry.

It seems to be catching-that spirit of frenzy, fuming and haste. Have you noticed?

But, let’s slow it down.

Grab yourself a hot cup of tea.

And for a few minutes, let’s join our hearts in thought.

Is it even possible to have peace in the midst of all that goes with Christmas?

I believe so.

The swaddling clothes speak a message of peace  in the midst of chaos.

You remember it?  The babe in the manger was wrapped in swaddling clothes, strips of cloth used to wrap around the baby. Luke 2:12-14

Where did they come from?

One author has suggested that the innkeeper’s wife must have loaned them to Mary.

But I’ve wondered if there might not be a better answer.

Of course it’s all conjecture, but I wonder if Mary and her mother didn’t prepare those swaddling clothes in preparation for the birth.

Mary had no idea how it would all unfold. Her mind must have been filled with a million thoughts and questions. There was nothing she could do to control the events.

But she could focus on the precious baby, God’s Son.

Could it be she prepared for his birth, not knowing how it would all happen or where she would give birth, by making the swaddling cloths? And as she worked her heart was stilled and filled with peace.

History tells us that sometimes those swaddling cloth were embroidered.

We will never know, will we?

But maybe there is an idea here that could help you this Christmas.

Focus on what you can control. Release those many details that are beyond you.

Keep your focus on what is within your control.

As you do that, you will experience a sense of peace and wonder.

Like Mary, rest in the wonder of His birth. Rest in God’ abiding Presence.

As you do this, let Christmas become what it was always meant to be. A time

for celebrating and  praising the Greatest Giver.

A time for connecting heaven and earth with hearts of love.

Prepare for your heart for Him.

As you do so He will meet you there.