Some of our spiritual forefathers in colonial America were known as the Shakers. They believed strongly in the spiritual value of simplicity, so they would be unencumbered by stuff and not get distracted from humanity’s ultimate purpose of glorifying God. Their song “Simple Gifts” by Edgar Meyer says it well:
'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free,
'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gain'd,
To bow and to bend we will not be asham'd,
To turn, turn will be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come round right.
Have you ever considered simplicity to be a gift? Try out that perspective as you consider the things and activities you might be missing out on while we celebrate Christmas more simply during a pandemic. See if it doesn’t help you keep your focus upon Christ.