Christmas thoughts....

As the season of Christ's birth advances we always hear a lot about many topics-some of it very good, some of it not so much. One of the things that I see folks do is become literally "consumed" in something such as decorating or buying or some aspect of the season which has become so commercialized. Sometimes it is hard not to become overtaken in this, especially if you are a parent of several small children. While much of this is enjoyable and in the spirit of giving, it can become a burden and a frustration-this is when we need to draw the line! I know it may seem impossible, but I submit that it is not only possible, it is necessary.

Often we think we "have to" do things beyond our true ability to do so, when really we do not in reality. It might be amazing to realize how a very small thing can mean far more than something extravagant. It is sad to see folks bankrupt the budget because they feel compelled to buy, buy, buy! A simple gift, a special card, call, or email might be all that is needed to bless someone. In fact, I received such a blessing and was far more touched by it than I would have been by anything else from that person.

Sometimes too we become overwhelmed with the activities of this season, to the point of exhaustion & frustration. There are parties, baking, wrapping, cooking, travelling, shopping, decorating, special activities, etc. How do we best handle this? One way is to plan ahead and do ahead as much as possible. Buy when there is a sale or you have down time to shop - bake/cook and freeze when possible - pack ahead - wrap ahead. Then when the time comes to do the rest, you can actually enjoy doing it. One more way to "endure" is to pray it through! Have you ever prayed for people as you wrapped their gifts? Have you ever prayed as you decorated, being thankful that Christ was born? Do you ever pray when you travel for those less fortunate, for those unsaved, or for those who have lost all touch with the true meaning of Christmas? How about playing Christmas songs as you work on the holiday projects? It will lift your mood.

We often have seasonal over-tiredness and frustration because we bring it upon ourselves, thinking we MUST do something or leaving things all until the last moment. We should stop to consider, Mary & Joseph did not "race" to Bethlehem. The Wise men did not "race" to see the child either. Jesus did not have the "gift" of a 5 star room for his entrance into the world, but he had the "gift" of a humble stable. The gift the shepherds brought was themselves and their love. The gifts brought to the Christ were not to impress or out of obligation, but were instead to honor him

One of the BEST gifts I ever rec'd. was a used book from a loved one from their own collection because they could not afford gifts that year! If they read this, they will recall - that was an awesome Christlike blessing, and blesses me every year as I remember it. Other best gifts have been things that were made for me by loved ones, and just time spent with me especially when it meant they went out of their way to do so!

see Mt.2:13-15 I suggest if you suffer from holiday tension - escape to your Egypt lest the King of your stress kill the real meaning of the season. Have a blessed holiday with those you love, no matter where they are - in person, or in spirit.