2 Corinthians 4:18 – “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal.”
The Regency Era in England, approximately 1811-1820, was a time of gentility and graciousness. It was the time of poets such as Wordsworth and Shelley and novelists such as Sir Walter Scott and Jane Austen. We share much in the way celebrations and traditions were recognized then, as they are now. However, one major difference, surprisingly, is Christmas. The focus now is on finding the perfect gift for everyone on our shopping list as we wade into the midst of the hustle and bustle of the season, with planners, to do lists, and midnight gift wrapping extravaganzas. Not so Regency Era dwellers. While there might be a small gift for children on Christmas Day, adults rarely – if ever – exchanged gifts. Instead, those in the Regency Era, beginning on the first official day of the Christmas season, St. Nicholas Day (December 6th), stepped away from their normal day-to-day lives and focused instead on spending time with family and friends and truly experiencing the joys of the season.
We might take a lesson from them and step back. Take a breath and focus more – not on physical gifts but on something truly priceless – spending the priceless commodity of time itself on our loved ones and friends. We may not be physically able to hold time with God as a gift in our physical hands but its giving and receipt is a value far beyond what can ever be imagined.
When the holiday season comes to a close and you find yourself on the other side of the holidays, take time to reflect and make sure that friends and family have received the very best gifts of all – lots of love and time well spent together.
Dear God: Thank you for this lovely season when warmth and good cheer surround us. Please help us to consciously step back from the worries and the ‘busyness’ the world tries to force upon us and focus on what’s truly important – time – quality time – with friends and family, but most especially – time with You, or Heavenly Father. You bless us so richly. Thank you. We love you, Lord. Amen.
- Lindy Bell
