Wednesday, Dec 15, 2021
“Blast Off!”
10-9-8-7…and so the countdown continues. When I was a child, I would stand on the back of the couch (not advisable) and prepare to launch. I would say, “Countdown! Ten, Nine, Eight, Seven…” When I reached “0”, I would holler “Blast Off!”, and I’d jump. Sometimes I would jump with the intention of landing on my little sister. Other times, I would pretend to be Superman, leaping over tall buildings in a single bound. I don’t remember any serious injury that resulted from my Blast-offs, nor do I remember breaking any furniture in the process. However, I do remember that once the countdown was at 10, the numbers moved much more quickly because of my excitement.
That’s how Christmas arrives. Today is ten, and then tomorrow is nine. The days move faster and faster. Before I know it, I’ll be enjoying a nice cold beverage after the candlelight service on Christmas Eve. However, I’m not there yet. I’ve still got to punch through a growing list of items that appear without an invitation on my doorstep, vying to take my JOY. When Advent began, I didn’t have much to do before Christmas. Now, as the countdown continues and I’m moving towards the couch to prepare for a Blast-off, I’m beginning to wonder whether this trip is really necessary…time moves faster and the chaos dampens the Joy, replacing it with anxiety and even frustration.
When I was younger, I couldn’t wait to get a little older so that I could enjoy the really cool gifts at Christmastime. Now that I’m older, I wish I was young again so I could enjoy those really cool, vintage gifts that I received over the years. I’m struggling to make up my mind as I climb into the nosecone of my rocketship and begin the balancing act of standing on the back of the couch. No mom or dad is here to warn or scold me. No sisters to pounce on and no big brothers to push me before I’m ready. Nope, it’s just me and my countdown… And just like nostalgia for childhood, this Christmas will soon pass with a longing for this year’s heartwarming, happy, and even thrilling moments. Will the countdown deliver when I remember it several weeks from now?
The numbers are moving past at warp speed, Scottie, but in some ways, that’s a good thing. For those of us that are still searching for the HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE of a real Christmas experience, the quickening countdown is a sign that God is moving us closer to something very real, much needed, and greatly desired. Namely, we are that much closer to the blessings that God promises through Christmas.
We just need to ask ourselves now and then, “When the countdown reaches “0” and we Blast-off, where will we land?” Santa’s sack would be a great place to land, but the best result would be landing into the arms of the LORD.
“So teach us to number our days, that we may cultivate and bring to You a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12, Amplified Bible)