I find that it is so easy to get wrapped up in the hustle
and bustle of the Christmas season. Have you finished your shopping? When is
the Christmas party? Did you remember to move the elf? Have you baked all your
Christmas cookies? This year is our
first Christmas being married, which means, adding to the list: whose family
will we spend Christmas with? What should I give to my in-laws? The stress of all of this can often seem
paralyzing, not to mention life continuing to go on around us. I find myself
hearing every day of tragedy that happens: A friend who believes her teenage
daughter is spiraling out of control. Eviction/Foreclosure. A miscarriage. An
injury. A divorce. An addiction. A death. Debt.
Truth is, we are all broken somehow, but this time of year
is supposed to be so happy! How
can we keep joy in Christmas? I have found myself pondering this point often
this December, as my family deals with struggles of its own. I have boiled it down to these points.
Grace:
Kindness from God that we do not
deserve. Look around, people are
suffering from a lot of different things, which causes us to act in ways that
are not very pretty. However, for some reason we are still so loved by God.
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so
that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)
There is nowhere else we should
turn. His arms are open wide...waiting for us to turn to Him. In the midst of
all of this struggle and brokenness his grace is sufficient for all of our
needs.
Without the first Christmas, we wouldn’t have
the first Easter:
This Christmas holiday is so important in
so many ways that seem to get lost in the shuffle. The baby that came on Christmas is the King who came to
change all nations. This tiny baby came to fix the mess. He changes everything!
We know that this is not just some crazy folktale, but that this same tiny baby
is the same great Savior who died on a cross to redeem.
God
sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world
through him. John 3:17 (NLT)
Relax!:
It will all come together. It will all be perfect. Who cares if there aren’t enough
cookies? Who cares if the perfect gifts are still not wrapped and under the
tree? Who cares if you can’t make it to just one of the 10 Christmas parties
you have been invited to? This is supposed to be a season of peace, not chaos
(easier said than done, I know).
And let
the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one
body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Colossians 3:15 (NLT)
Take a deep breath, and refocus your lens on the true
purpose of this season. Even if
life seems to be a complete wreck, enjoy time with people. Make memories.
Reflect. Pray. Be thankful.