The 12 Days of Christmas - Day 10

There Is No Such Thing As Perfection

Philippians 3:12
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

My church family is experiencing a time of displacement after the fire in our sanctuary. Last week we should have held our 25th Annual Presentation of The Life of Christ in Living Pictures. The halls should have been bustling with people, the pews filled to capacity. The parking lot should have been full of cars.

Last Sunday we found ourselves in a strange place. A local church graciously offered the use of their sanctuary for a scaled down offering of “Come Celebrate Jesus.” The building was beautiful. The sound system was terrific and the people who helped were absolutely wonderful.

But, it wasn’t Immanuel. It wasn’t the presentation we had been anticipating.

I was deeply saddened and disappointed.

As we sang I felt the peace of God envelope me. I saw the smile return to our Music Minister’s face. I felt the love of God overflow my heart and come out as tears. And I saw those same tears of joy mixed with sadness on the faces next to me, and in the audience.

The presentation last Sunday was not perfect. It was not the way we had envisioned it. But, God took our offering and perfected it His way. Last Sunday was another reminder to me that we are not perfect and our lives are not perfect, but God is.

No matter how we pressure ourselves to create a “perfect” Christmas season, perfection on earth is a fantasy. I believe there will be perfect moments. There will be times that catch us by surprise and we’ll wish we could freeze them for eternity. But, there will also be times when the kids are fighting, the gift isn’t right, the gravy is lumpy and when you forget the real reason for the celebration.

Throughout this season don’t let imperfections spoil your holiday. Open your heart to the joy around you and the One Perfect Gift who never disappoints.