Gaze Into the Eyes
Christmas is one of my most favorite times of the year. I love the whole reason that we celebrate. The joy of knowing our Savior came humbly to this earth to make a way for humanity brings me so much hope. It stirs something deep within my soul.
I find though as I get older some of that joy sometimes gets overshadowed by the busyness that this season brings. So many things vie for our attention. They are not always bad things; they are just things that tend to make our calendar a little more full. Holiday parties, office parties, kid’s sports and concerts, shopping, cooking, and baking - all of these things that run simultaneously during this busy season make one feel so tired. Well, at least this mama feels that way. When I get a moment to just sit and breathe, I find myself longing for one silent night. One night where I don’t have to be anywhere or do anything.
As I sit and reflect on the longing of peace that I am feeling, I think of Mary.
“So, Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:4-7
And you know that famous Christmas song, “Silent Night”, though I love it, I doubt very much all was so calm and so bright on that evening she was giving birth to the Savior of the World. Having given birth to three children of my own, I can’t imagine what she was feeling or experiencing that blessed night. Traveling, being in a strange place with absolutely nowhere to stay, crowded streets with all of its hustle and bustle, all while in labor and in pain. I cannot imagine the fear of the unknown that she may have been feeling. She was young, newly married, in a different town and only had the comfort of her husband and maybe some straw to lay on in a barn as she delivered the greatest gift to all mankind. Once you have that baby and you are able to stare into their eyes, you realize all of that pain was worth it. How amazing would it have been to be able to stare and gaze into the eyes of Jesus? That beautiful little baby who was going to save the world. What a marvelous moment that must have been for Mary.
It's in these moments of reflection that I can sit back and realize, yes schedules tend to get overwhelming, but I don’t have to be overwhelmed by it. Shifting my perspective and making priority for what is really important is all that I need. My joy doesn’t come from the nostalgic memories that I had as a child at Christmas, it doesn’t come from the perfect table settings or the Pinterest worthy decor, it doesn’t come from all of the fun things that this holiday brings, instead my joy comes from setting my gaze into the eyes of the one who came to give me life and give me life to the fullest. So, if you are feeling a bit rundown by the busyness of the season, stop and take a moment to pause. Take that deep breath and gaze into his wonderful face. Merry Christmas!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Elisha Cruz
Elisha Cruz is a wife, mother, speaker, worship leader and a lover of all things coffee. Elisha serves as a staff pastor along side of her husband who leads Freedom Life Church, Milton, PA. Her greatest passion is to encourage and teach women to become all that God has called them to be, as daughters of the King. Elisha serves on the Penn-Del Women Dream Team.