I Brake for Christmas

Psalm 46:10

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.

Taken from Come Before Winter and Share My Hope, Copyright © 1985, 1994 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. Used by permission.

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Accuracy, clarity, and practicality all describe the Bible-teaching ministry of Charles R. Swindoll. Chuck is the chairman of the board at Insight for Living and the chancellor of Dallas Theological Seminary. Chuck also serves as the senior pastor of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas, where he is able to do what he loves most—teach the Bible to willing hearts. His focus on practical Bible application has been heard on the Insight for Living radio broadcast since 1979.