December 25, 2011
I Brake for Christmas
by Charles R. Swindoll
The bumper sticker caught my eye. Made me think. Even aroused some guilt.
I was on the freeway as his car was pulling off. My day had been full and it was far from over. Stuffed in my pocket was a list, most of the items not yet purchased. A little panic rushed over the back roads of my mind as I pondered all the things yet to be bought in those few days left before Christmas. The guy didn't seem in much of a hurry, which irritated me a bit, yet it told me that his sign was for real. I began to study the words in my head. They started making sense. His bumper stick read:
I BRAKE FOR CHRISTMAS
Easing up on the accelerator and releasing my frown, I began to calm down my inner motor with questions like: Why the hurry? What's the rush? Could this explain the reason you've been unable to enjoy the spirit of the season?
Psalm 46:10 drifted into my mind like the ringing of a distant bell on a clear morning.
"Be still, and know that I am God." (NIV)
C'mon, slow down. Be still.
This year . . . let's give Christmas a brake.
