Clearance Aisles

Since before Halloween you could walk through most any department store or discount store and see the sparkle and shine of Christmas.   The sparkling decorations in a multitude of reds, greens, golds, silvers, and purples lined the aisle.  Christmas trees were lit up beckoning shoppers to purchase a new tree to brighten up their home.  Piping through the intercom were the sounds of Bing Crosby singing Silent Night, Mariah Carey belting out All I Want for Christmas is You - Instrumentals of Christmas tunes just made the mood light and lively.   If you were lucky enough to be in a store that sold groceries,  an action alley shelf was dedicated to the baking needs of the holidays- pumpkin for pies and pumpkin rolls, candied fruits for fruit cakes,  chocolate chips (all varieties)  and nuts for  baking any goody you can imagine, Christmas cookies, cakes and pies just waiting for someone to take them home and devour.  Christmas was everywhere!

Last night after a dinner date with my husband, we made that routine trip to the grocery store to get  some necessities  to make it through the week.  The only sign of Christmas was in the Clearance Aisle - no sparkle and shine-no melodious Christmas tunes. What was left of Christmas was marked half price or less!   I'll be the first to admit that I did make a trudge to one of my favorite stores the day after Christmas to check out the Clearance Aisles to stock up on some things for next year. Clearance Aisles-you never know what you will find. I love a Clearance Aisle!

As I strolled around in the forgotten Christmas items, I got to thinking about my personal Clearance Aisles.  I have many.  Clearing out the old, straightening and rearranging, winter cleaning of items I don't need, straightening the cabinets and closets.... All of these make a good clearance project but then there is The Clearance Aisle in my spirit.  Have I put the Spirit of Christmas in the Clearance Aisle?  During Christmas time it is easy to have an attitude of giving- after all we were given the greatest gift when Jesus was born in the manager so long ago. As a Christian during Christmas I have that constant reminder to try and be a little kinder.  I put my Christmas spirit on display just like a business.  I have a care for those who are not as fortunate as myself.  I have a little fire in me to be a better person-to be or to try to be worthy of the gift of Jesus which is the sole purpose to celebrate Christmas.  Oh sure, I can get caught up in the hustle and bustle of shopping and finding the perfect gift and getting to everything, but I have to admit, I enjoyed my shopping trips I had this year.  I enjoyed the family get togethers that others hosted for me and that I had the opportunity to do for others.   But where will these times go?  Where will the attitude of caring for others be in a few weeks?   Where will these times of spending time with friends and family be for get togethers and games?   Where will this Christmas Spirit that has been following me around for the last couple of months end?  It seems it may be ending up in the Clearance Aisle.

What to do about this Clearance Aisle?    I am positive it starts with a connection with God and becoming more dedicated to my walk with him.  I want to sparkle and shine with my Christian Spirit.  I want to be that tune that you hear that brings you that happy feeling.   Oh I am positive there will be days, I will act like I'm on the Clearance Aisle, but my hope -my goal is to live more days as though I have the best gift to offer for I have received the best gift from God.

Christ our Savior is born!  Christ our Savior is born!