The Joy Of The Season-Part 1

Tidings of comfort and joy to all my readers. As we approach Christmas and the New Year, I wanted to make sure that you are equipped to make the most of this holiday season. Focusing on the manger message is key. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."-Luke 2:9-10

What is Christmas? It is the commemoration and celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ  is the Savior sent by God Almighty to reconcile us to Himself. To create a pathway by which we, in our sinful state, could be washed and made pure. God choose to send His Son into our lives so that we would know that we have a God who has experienced what we have in this life and world. That certainly happened when Jesus was plopped right down in the middle of an impoverished and politically tumultuous environment. "And this will be the sign to you: You will find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."-Luke2:12

The family, Jesus was to be born into, was humbled by the circumstances of their day. Mary was forced, in her last trimester of pregnancy, to travel under very rough conditions in order that their family could be counted in a government census. That census would indeed enable the fulfillment of prophesy (that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem). But, did that make the trip any easier? Jesus was birthed in an animal stall and put in an animal feeding trough which was used as His bassinet. "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting."-Micah 5:2

Jesus chose to be with the people of that time and place as a sign that He is with you in all the worst circumstances of your life. The pain, the political tumult, the rough conditions. The joy of the season emanates from this message. We would do well to meditate on the nativity stories in the upcoming weeks. This will help us to have a happy and productive Christmas. Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.-Romans 15:13

Throughout the years, I have seen many struggles and challenges during the Christmas season. The struggles usually come from unrealistic expectations of the holiday and veering away from the manger message. There is a lot of additional work entailed in making the holiday magic that we see all around us. This can leave people tired, and frayed nerves often ensue at family gatherings or mall parking lots. How do you cope with tense family gatherings or office parties? Sometimes people dread these events because of the mean things that will be said or the drunkenness that will happen. Do we worry too much about creating the perfect meal, getting the perfect gift or impressing our family? If any of this is you, it is time to put these things in perspective and come up with a plan to better cope with your holiday. These things I have spoken to you that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.-John 16:33

Do you struggle because your family does not help you? If all you and your husband do is fight over the additional chores then do something to make it easier. Sometime this means a compromise. Maybe, as a child, your family had the best lights in the neighborhood. Your husband doesn't care about that, so, reach a compromise. Do a small and easy display. What about taking turns? One year your husband might make you happy by doing a big light display and the following year maybe you can make him happy by just doing the evergreen wreaths and garlands that he enjoys. One year you can have turkey and one year ham. Maybe you can do potluck suppers so that everyone can share the work. Perhaps this can help your family not resent the work they must do. Most of all remember the Christmas baby Jesus who God sent as a gift to us all. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!-2 Corinthians 9:15