I saw this sign in a store window last week. Hmmmm. I’ve never seen Christmas used as a verb, so that was something to think about. I know the gist of what they were getting at. It’s been a hard year, and we need to have a party! And come in here and buy stuff.

But can one really Christmas? Even though we typically have lots of parties and celebrations which may or may not be related to the true reason for the holiday, I don’t think this season is about that kind of party.

I picture “Christmasing” as looking up at the sky at night and wondering what the shepherds thought when they saw a choir of angels. And that they believed the message and went to Bethlehem to see the Savior the angels sang about. Then later, wise men — however many there were — following a star in the sky, knowing to whom it was leading them. And taking gifts all that way! Probably heavy gifts! Being told in a dream that evil King Herod was trying to find Jesus to kill him, and having the faith to believe the dream and go home another way.

And stinky animals in a sacred manger, sharing the space with the tiny King of the world. A teenaged mother being so amazed and grateful that she was chosen to take part in this moment. Joseph, having been so patient and having faith that God was in control.

Do you have the kind of faith exhibited in this story? It’s about having faith in things we can’t see. About trusting that God is still in control and will use us in his plans, as he used Mary, Joseph, the angels, shepherds, and wise men.

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’ ”

(Luke 2:8-11)

While walking through the mall today, I saw me. I didn’t immediately recognize myself, but after watching for a couple of minutes, I knew it was me. As she corralled her small children through the mall, the stressed face and forced smile, combined with a “we need to go so I can get some things done” look were a dead give-away. At her children’s insistence, she let them ride one of those animals that you put coins in and it goes up and down. They were having a blast! She wasn’t. She looked like –“Oh! I need to stop and do this real quick so they’ll remember a happy childhood.”

Next to her was a different kind of mom. A relaxed smile was on her face as she watched her children ride. Instead of stress, she exuded a look of, “I wish I could fit on this elephant with them so we could ride together!” No “to do” list was hanging out of her purse or at the forefront of her mind. She was in the moment, and she was not letting stress take over her life.

Even though my children are no longer riding the rocking elephant at the mall, there are always stressors and “to do” lists in my life. One thing the Bible teaches us, though, is we were not meant to be stressed. During this Christmas season, we can be tempted to become anxious about getting everything done — the gifts, the decorations, the cards.

Starting your day with a simple prayer can help you focus on being in the moment. “God help me today to focus on you so my priorities will be yours.”

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3