Yesterday I ordered Christmas cards. 

 I'd been looking for two days, flipping through hundreds of designs; one card had red scalloped edges with the word joy in all caps, another too much like last year's with a white border at the bottom wishing its recipients a "Merry Christmas".  It was sweet relief to finally choose a card, enter my credit card number and billing information completing my purchase.

An equal amount of time went into getting the perfect family picture that goes on the card.  I'll spare you the outlining of that event.

Yesterday when I hit the "send order" button, I felt this great sense of accomplishment.  I thought of my to-do list; one down, 399 chores to go.  It's easy to get overwhelmed during the holidays.

I think of calendars busting at the seams.  I also think of friends who are taking care of sick family members, friends who are scrambling to make ends meet to try to provide a "happy" Christmas for their little ones.  It pains me to think of dear friends who are numb from tragedy this season.

For some, it's a wonderful season.

It's a busy season for some, for others loneliness is magnified. 

 For many, it's a difficult season.

For much of us, we feel all of the above.

This remains.

Christmas is coming for those of us who have gifts wrapped under the tree and who are already drying dishes with holly berry cuptowels to the tune of "Jingle Bells".

It's also coming for those who ache at its mention.

Though I know better, I've repeatedly made Christmas about what I can do; buying presents for Christmas angels, inviting people over for soup and hosting Christmas parties. I study magazines by the check-out; the covers colored with Paula Dean Christmas cookies and candle arrangements that could knock the socks off this country girl.

 Sometimes it's about what won't be there this Christmas.

 So if you're a Cyber Monday shoppin', Paula Dean cooking, deck the halls kind of gal -that's ok. 

If you're a simple girl who plans on using the black and white polka-dot wrapping paper you already had for wrapping Christmas presents-that's ok too.

To my hyper friends and those who are still waiting on motivation or cash, and to my friends still reeling from shock or sadness, Mary had it right.  In the midst of it all, heart-provoked- she treasured the babe wrapped in mystery.

Wishing each of us a thought-provoking, heart-pondering Christmas

full of Jesus