Hustle & bustle. When you think of the Christmas season - these words are often associated with it, aren't they? Today I looked at my schedule for the next 10 days and had a moment (or two) of stress - included in my stuff "to do" are: choir rehearsals, service projects, church services, shopping, wrapping, parties, meetings with friends, and products to make for my business to be ready to sell after Christmas. On top of that, I'd love to bake Christmas cookies and treats, watch some holiday movies and do other fun Christmas-y stuff. Yikes!!! When am I gonna have the time to get everything done? All of a sudden I felt very stressed (if I'm going to be completely honest!) and it seemed like the Christmas holiday would be here before I knew it. It also felt like I wouldn't be able to enjoy any of it , for all of my obligations.
Sound familiar?
As I was having my mini freak-out and going into hyper-planning mode, this scripture popped into my head - "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalms 46:10) Stillness - what a blessed thought! In the midst of all the "hustle & bustle" of the season, the ability to stop, to be quiet, calm and peaceful seems like a luxury. It feels as if being still is counterproductive when really it's the best thing for us.
It seems ironic and sad to me how bent out of shape we can get (myself included) around Christmas time. We want the ideal Christmas - beautifully decorated home,a lush tree with gorgeous ornaments surrounded by an abundance of brightly wrapped gifts, a festive table groaning with the weight of a delicious meal, a home smelling for freshly baked cookies. We book our calendars full with parties, events, projects, services and get-togethers with friends. We rush here and there, filling our time with so much to do that we don't enjoy the true meaning and spirit of Christmas.
"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you; You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.' Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.'
Peace to men. A savior was born to us who brought, among many things, peace to our lives. One of the many fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22, Jesus desires us to cultivate peace. How can we do this? Especially during the Christmas season? I have three suggestions that can help you during all seasons of your life. Try them consistently and see how they help!
1) Just say no. Ok, I was a child of the 80's and this was a call to say no to drugs, but saying no in your life can help a lot! Do you really have to go to that party/ get-together/ eggnog tasting party? Is it really important that you make an elaborate gingerbread replica of your home/ hand make every Christmas ornament like Martha Stewart/ decorate your home like the Griswolds from "Christmas Vacation"? Take stock. Prioritize. Simplify. There has to be something you can say "no" to that will free up some time to relax. Take that time.
2) Just say "thanks"! Begin your day on the right foot and in a positive mood by saying "thank you" for something in your life. Trust me, there is at least one thing that you can be thankful for. Look hard. You're alive, have eyes to read this blog (or ears to hear it being read to you), you have a God that loves you. Thank God for that. Keep doing it. The more you look, the more you'll see blessings all around you. Especially when things feel stressful - say thanks! It's hard to be stressed and thankful at the same time!
3) Just say a prayer. Praying isn't supposed to be hard! You don't have to use fancy words or sound like a minister. Prayer is simply talking to God. Talk to him like he's in the room with you. He may have a lot on his plate, but he is never too busy to listen to his children. Prayer changes lives, hearts and attitudes. It can change yours, too. Pray that God helps you develop peace in your own life.
I wish for you all a wonderful Christmas season! Be still, and allow God to fill you with his spirit of peace.
May God bless and keep you,
Robin
Would you like to see the "card of the week" for this message? Check out this link: http://www.etsy.com/listing/88743995/inspirational-blank-card-peace-on-earth
No comments:
Post a Comment