A few weeks ago I was dreading the coming of the Christmas season. In the past I have enjoyed decorating, buying gifts, and making goodies for family and neighbors, but I usually went overboard. The season would turn into one big stress, and I would come to the end of December feeling like I had missed the whole point. I was letting a bunch of ”good things” take the place of the best thing–time with God.
This year I asked God to show me how I could enjoy the season and not get caught up in the stress. He told me to spend time with Him. Take time to marvel at and discover the wonder of Jesus’ birth. Make that the priority this season. I have very little desire to decorate or make treats or buy gifts. Although I will do those things, they will be minimized this year.
My Goals For This Christmas Season
I will NOT…
1. stay up until 1 a.m. on Christmas Eve wrapping presents.
2. spend over my budget.
3. pull out every decoration I own.
I will…
1. watch the Nativity Story (great movie!).
2. read Touching Wonder: Recapturing the Awe of Christmas by John Blase.
3. spend time daily in the Word (especially in Matthew and Luke) looking for new nuggets of truth about Christmas.
4. spend lots of time snuggling on the couch under a warm blanket with my two little munchkins reading Christmas books.
5. be like Jesus’ friend Mary and sit at Jesus’ feet listening to Him. “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41
How do you prevent the holidays from becoming too stressful? What goals do you have for keeping Christ at the center? I’d love to hear your comments!
