Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and...entangles, and let us run...

With less than a week until the Big Day, we are awash in paper, tape, bows, lists, recipes, music and everything else that goes along with the holiday season. In fact, if I'm not careful, I'm going to get wrapped up...literally! It is very possible that this Christmas Wendy and the children will find me under the tree trapped in a self-inflicted pile of ribbons, paper and tape. If there is a season of the year where we can see this verse in a very real way, it has to be now.

Which of us has not gone a bit too far in gift buying, traveled more than we agreed to travel after last year and eaten too much food? Which of us has not felt the stress of a never ending pile of boxes that once contained a never ending supply of decorations? And which of us has not felt the stinging reminder that this world wants more. Our jobs, our friends, our commitments, sometimes even our families, are satisfied with nothing less than a pound of flesh. It is, in a word, crazy and it is easy to become hindered and entagled. So, here's the plan...

Go get a drink. No, not a stiff one. Just some coffee or a cup of tea. Sit down and do just what the first part of this verse says. Respond to the stress you feel by taking a moment to remember those you love who are now cheering you on. Think about what they would say to you right now, knowing what they know. They would tell you that so much of what we feel is important in this world is not really all that important. That last minute gift? "Forget it," they would say. "Instead, jot a note to that person. Give them a hug. Take a moment and give them a piece of you...not your wallet."

They could all say, with one voice, the words of the old hymn. "Take the world and give me Jesus." They now understand the plan of the enemy. To keep us busy, running around aimlessly. But now our loved ones can see the whole picture. They know and want us to know, too. This is the time to wrap presents for those we love, but even more it is a time to unwrap our lives so that we can run the race God has for us.

Now, if someone could just help me get out of this ribbon...