Some people
groan, “It’s not even Christmas day and I’m already exhausted.” Others complain
about the bills that will come due in January. Others are dreading a party or a
visit with family. If you will make a couple of important choices, you will turn this
week into one of the best ones in 2013!
First of all, make people your priority! The holiday is about 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 decorations 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 creates an unforgettable memory.
Second, include worship! Where will you spend more time during the holidays – at the mall or in God’s Presence? Our use of time and money says much more about who is God than our words. “Keeping Christ in Christmas” isn't about putting up a crèche on the lawn at City Hall. It's 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 each day this week; it will make a difference. "O come, let us adore Him... Christ, the Lord!" is more than a carol; it’s an invitation to worship.
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. In His coming to us 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! The holiday is about 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 decorations 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 creates an unforgettable memory.
Second, include worship! Where will you spend more time during the holidays – at the mall or in God’s Presence? Our use of time and money says much more about who is God than our words. “Keeping Christ in Christmas” isn't about putting up a crèche on the lawn at City Hall. It's 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 each day this week; it will make a difference. "O come, let us adore Him... Christ, the Lord!" is more than a carol; it’s an invitation to worship.
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. In His coming to us 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!
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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