She spat the words out with passion – “I hate this Season! It takes a month to
recover from all the stuff I have to do.”
I guess I judged her, but my conclusion was that she was seeing all the
wrong things. Are you? On December 26th will you be relieved or
renewed? Christmas promises much. Often
we find little! What kind of choices can make the difference?
First of all, make people your priority! It’s a cliché yet say it over and over again – people, not programs! Resist the pressures to rush, to be hurried, to 'get the program' completed. Truly take time to enjoy the opportunity to be with friends and family. Focus less on perfect decoration and more on the state of your heart. A dinner cooked to perfection, a home full of beautiful holiday decor will be soon forgotten, but an evening of meaningful conversation and interaction creates a lasting memory that renews us again and again.
Second, include worship! Most Americans will spend far more time in the mall than in worship and reflection during the next seven days! This imbalance in the use of our time and money reveals the identity of our true god. Keeping Christ in Christmas isn't about putting up a crèche on the lawn at City Hall. It's about building an altar in our heart and honoring the One whose life is the cause for the celebration. If you will set aside 30 minutes a day for meditation, prayer, and to read the stories of Jesus' nativity from Matthew and Luke from now to Christmas Day; it will make a difference. "O come, let us adore Him... Christ, the Lord!"
Third, give yourself away! In Acts 20:35 (The Message) we read, "I have demonstrated to you how necessary it is to work on behalf of the weak and not exploit them. You’ll not likely go wrong here if you keep remembering that our Master said, ‘You’re far happier giving than getting.’ ” It's not just stuff that is given at Christmas. Give forgiveness. Give love. Give time. Give away your expectations.
Lastly, recover wonder! Read the Christmas story and instead of asking, "How could this be?" let story speak to you about the depth of God's love. Instead of complaining about that same music on the radio, just enjoy it. Instead of grousing about all the stuff you have to do, thank God for what you get to do. Let the pseudo-sophisticates pretend to be bored by the holiday. Choose to be child-like (not childish!) in your wonder.
With these choices, you will come to New Year's Day, with a renewed heart! You may be tired in body, but you will have received Christ Jesus anew, and He brings life. Here's a word from the Word to take with you as you begin this Christmas week- "The Word became human and lived here on earth among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father. ...We have all benefited from the rich blessings he brought to us—one gracious blessing after another." (John 1:14, 16, NLT)
First of all, make people your priority! It’s a cliché yet say it over and over again – people, not programs! Resist the pressures to rush, to be hurried, to 'get the program' completed. Truly take time to enjoy the opportunity to be with friends and family. Focus less on perfect decoration and more on the state of your heart. A dinner cooked to perfection, a home full of beautiful holiday decor will be soon forgotten, but an evening of meaningful conversation and interaction creates a lasting memory that renews us again and again.
Second, include worship! Most Americans will spend far more time in the mall than in worship and reflection during the next seven days! This imbalance in the use of our time and money reveals the identity of our true god. Keeping Christ in Christmas isn't about putting up a crèche on the lawn at City Hall. It's about building an altar in our heart and honoring the One whose life is the cause for the celebration. If you will set aside 30 minutes a day for meditation, prayer, and to read the stories of Jesus' nativity from Matthew and Luke from now to Christmas Day; it will make a difference. "O come, let us adore Him... Christ, the Lord!"
Third, give yourself away! In Acts 20:35 (The Message) we read, "I have demonstrated to you how necessary it is to work on behalf of the weak and not exploit them. You’ll not likely go wrong here if you keep remembering that our Master said, ‘You’re far happier giving than getting.’ ” It's not just stuff that is given at Christmas. Give forgiveness. Give love. Give time. Give away your expectations.
Lastly, recover wonder! Read the Christmas story and instead of asking, "How could this be?" let story speak to you about the depth of God's love. Instead of complaining about that same music on the radio, just enjoy it. Instead of grousing about all the stuff you have to do, thank God for what you get to do. Let the pseudo-sophisticates pretend to be bored by the holiday. Choose to be child-like (not childish!) in your wonder.
With these choices, you will come to New Year's Day, with a renewed heart! You may be tired in body, but you will have received Christ Jesus anew, and He brings life. Here's a word from the Word to take with you as you begin this Christmas week- "The Word became human and lived here on earth among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father. ...We have all benefited from the rich blessings he brought to us—one gracious blessing after another." (John 1:14, 16, NLT)
Joy to the world,
The Lord is come.
Let earth receive her
King.
Let every heart
prepare Him room,
And Heav’n and nature
sing,
And Heav’n and nature
sing,
And Heav’n, and Heav’n,
and nature sing!
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