It’s the final day of the 21 Days to a Simple Christmas Challenge!
There’s snow outside, almost all of our Christmas preparations are done, and the kids are snuggled up watching White Christmas together. Today, as we pause from the usual daily routine, I’m reflecting on what Christmas truly means.
And as I’m reflecting, I remembered this post I wrote back in 2009 that sums up what Christmas is all about to me:
A few weeks ago, my rambunctious two-year-old accidentally knocked and broke a very special tea cup of mine. As I was sweeping the pieces of glass into a dustpan, I realized this was something one could easily find themselves upset over.
But instead of frustration, I found myself feeling grateful. Our lean law school years–when a hot cup of tea in my special tea cup was one of life’s few luxuries–had taught me a profound lesson: things don’t buy happiness.
It’s a trite phrase, to be sure, but when you’ve found much happiness in spite of the lack of things and the lack of money to buy things, it seems anything but cliche.
There are likely many reading this right now who are experiencing financial difficulty. Maybe your husband is unemployed and there are no job possibilities on the horizon despite your incessant knocking on doors. Perhaps you have no idea how you are going to pay your rent or your mortgage and you’re beyond tired of eating endless varieties of beans and rice.
No matter your current financial struggles, you can have happiness. In fact, you can find the very same kind of happiness I had when we were living on $800 a month in a little basement apartment in a new town with few friends.
You’ve likely read here about a lot of deals I’ve scored over the past few years, but today I want to tell you about the best “deal” I’ve ever gotten–one that changed my life forever and gave me lasting happiness and peace.
Two thousand years ago, in a humble manger in Bethlehem, a little baby was born. This baby, Jesus, would grow up to be the Savior of the world.
When I was 11 years old, I committed my life to Jesus and He become my personal Lord and Savior. Since then, my world has been turned upside down.
Where once I lived in constant fear and worry, I now have lasting peace. Where once I had emptiness, I now have true fulfillment.
Is my life perfect? Far from it! But I am loved unconditionally by the Creator of the universe. And that, my friends, is worth more than all the money in the world. He is what brings me true happiness.
As I swept up those pieces of shattered glass, I realized I wasn’t upset over my favorite tea cup breaking because I have something that pales in comparison to a thousand expensive tea cups–I have Jesus.
The things of this world will fade, crack, break, and die. Jesus is Eternal. He will never leave me or forsake me. And someday, I get to spend Eternity with Him!
This Christmas, my prayer is that you also know Jesus, too. If not, don’t delay another day until you get to know Him and commit your life to Him. (Go here to read more about Jesus and how He can change your world, too.)
I promise, this will be the best deal you’ll ever find–worth more than all the money in the world can buy!
Merry CHRISTmas!
sandra says
this is the best post I think I’ve ever read, merry CHRISTmas to you too!
Ruth says
Merry Christmas to the sweetest person I don’t really know! (In real life). You are so right–the things of this world have no eternal value; just loving Jesus and loving others.
Melissa says
Merry Christmas Crystal. Thank you for the inspiration you provide here in your blog. You challenge me to remain positive and work to be the best me that I can be.
Today that means working and then heading home to enjoy a small get together with my husbands family. I’m very much looking forward to spending time with them all. I haven’t been following along with this series, but I’ve been working in my own way to keep our Christmas simple and enjoyable this year. Thank you for all that you do!
margaret says
Thanks for your intentionality in this post! It is all for naught without this hope!
Romans 1:16. Have it memorized yet? 🙂
Crystal says
Yes! I memorized that a few months back. 🙂
Frances says
AMEN! Thanks for sharing the true reason for CHRISTmas!
RBM says
Blessings to you, your family, and your ministry through this website!
Denise says
Merry Christmas Crystal and family! Thank you for this post! Very well put and a great reminder! I’m glad you shared 🙂
Lori says
Just want to take the time to wish you and your family a very Merry CHRISTmas! I appreciate the time you put into sharing your money saving ideas each week; but I especially treasure the greatest “saving” of all- God’s gift of grace in our lives each and every day! Thank you for this bold reminder and may all who read it comprehend the value of it in their daily lives. Blessings!
Crystal says
Thank you so much for your kind encouragement!
Ruth Stiff says
I love Christmas and Christ, who is the Prince of Peace to those who believe in Him. Merry Christmas Crystal and all those who read your blog!!
Anne says
Merry Christmas!
Shelly says
This is a wonderful ending to this series. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas.
Anita says
Thank you for the beautiful post Crystal.
Erin says
Best post yet! Thanks for sharing the greatest gift with others as there truly is no greater gift!
Leanne says
Thanks for sharing Jesus on your blog. Have a wonderful Christmas as we celebrate His birth!
Jenny says
Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family!
We watched holiday inn today… with a nod to White Christmas from Bing Crosby.
Sending love from snowy New England this holiday…
Crystal says
Merry Christmas to you and your family, too!
lyss says
I think it’s great that you shared this again. Thank you for unashamedly being a testimony for the Lord on your blog. Receiving salvation through Jesus truly is the best gift anyone can receive, yet there are so many who don’t understand the importance of being saved. We aren’t born Christians, we each have to personally repent and trust Jesus. While my faith in God may waver at times, I know that my trusting Him for salvation can never be taken away. Even if I fail (and I sure do!), I know I am His forever. Have a blessed Christmas! : )
Kathy says
Beautiful!!
Cheryl S says
That was so beautifully written. Thank you for the reminder.
Heather says
Thank you for your wonderful testimony. Also, thank you for using your talents in service to Him. You have blessed and helped our family so much! Thank you for all of your encouragement, money saving tips, DIYs, coupons and deals, etc. that has helped our family through a transitional time of a two person income to one, as I stayed home due to one of our children’s health! Merry Christmas and many blessings to your family! =)
Crystal says
Thank you so much for your kind encouragement! And merry Christmas to you and yours!
Leanne Heern says
loved this post both times around!
Merry Christmas!