Jesus is the Reason…
Tis’ the season to remember, Jesus is the reason!!!
Praise the Lord!
This is a time of year that affects many of us in varied ways–some are filled with joy and wonder, while others find themselves sad, even depressed. It is amazing that this Christmas season can fill one person with unbridled joy, and yet plunge others into deep sadness.
There are ways to avoid the pitfalls of being downcast in this time of remembrance of the birth of our Savior.
1. Remember, what this time is all about! It is the time that we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without His birth we couldn’t know Him as our Redeemer. In order to be our Deliverer, He had to come through the womb of a woman, in birth. How glorious is our story of redemption that began with the humble birth of our King! Stay focused, on what His birth brought to us–a King, a Redeemer, a Deliverer, all in Christ our Lord.
2. Make an effort to be with others. It is tempting to shut down and avoid others when sad–but that is the opposite of what one should do. Get involved. If you are far from family, visit those in need. Volunteer at a shelter; give gifts to those who cannot afford to give. Visit senior citizens at a residential facility, who are often forgotten and lonely, themselves. If your church has community outreach programs, get involved. Help someone else–it will bring you joy!
3. Avoid the trappings that we have come to think of as necessary to celebrate Christmas. In all of our attempts to make the holiday a memorable event, sometimes, we can get caught up in the trappings–the shopping, the busyness, and all of things that overwhelm us and lead to exhaustion and frustration. It isn’t the gifting that is important, but the people that give and receive. Focus on the important things–give of yourself, share your time and attention with others. It is these things that create precious memories. “Things” are forgotten quickly, but intangible giving, is not soon forgotten.
In all of this, I am not suggesting that it is wrong to give gifts, just that we should maintain perspective–in ALL things. Balance is of utmost importance. Give, but don’t give yourself into debt. Give of yourself. Spend time with others. Think outside of your usual circle. Think of those less fortunate. Keep spending in check. In everything, know your limits–in giving gifts, in decorating, in baking, cooking, parties, etc. Make sure that time for worship–personal as well as corporate is still apart of your regular activities. Don’t forget to pray, read and study the Word. Physically, it is important to get proper rest, eat right, and exercise–even while all the tempting goodies of the holiday surround us!) It is okay to indulge, but stay on track. Being physically fit, goes along way in helping us be emotionally healthy, too.
Whatever you celebrate–Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, stay focused on God, and others!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!
Love & Abundant Blessings,
Lisa