I know. You’re rushed. Me, too. So I’ll keep it short. But don’t skip this one. It’s important. Really, it’s all that matters on our to-do lists. This one comes courtesy of the wisest man I’ve ever known. Jim Scherer does things differently than most. He’s tuned in to a clear signal that guides him and helps him guide others, like me. He lives his life with open arms and an open heart. And he has taught me so much.

Every year, until illness recently sidelined him, Jim has gone to the beach, where he chooses to spend Christmas alone. Well… not really alone. With Jesus. Or, as he says, “with the Baby.” He walks the chilly shoreline, contemplating the Miracle in Bethlehem. And that’s more than enough for him. Christmas with the Baby. What more do we really need?

Of course, we know this already. We know He is why we celebrate. But somehow, the doing still seems to win. I promise myself every Christmas that next year will be different. Next year I’ll be more organized. The gifts will be bought and mailed early. Same with the cards. I’ll decorate right after Thanksgiving. I’ll have more time to spend really anticipating the only thing about Christmas that really matters. And every year I rush and regret and make the same promise again.

I know. Christmas comes with expectations from those around us. But, remember the Godly expectations, too. If you’re racing to the Christmas finish line, shopping and wrapping and mailing and baking and making yourself crazy, bump those things down on your to-do list and put the Baby at the top. Pause, even for a little while and spend time with Him, the One who came to revolutionize the world and open our eyes and teach us about Life beyond life. Anticipate the night that changed everything. And if you’re alone for Christmas, or you feel that way even in a room full of people, believe you are never alone. For the Baby is always with you, pouring out Divine Love that is the greatest gift we know.

Sending you big love, the best gift we have to give one another.