By: Linda Grabeman
Here we are. December already. How. Did. That. Happen?
My Christmas confession: It’s a perennial problem. I have overdone in every way: buying, shopping, cooking, going…and going and going. Way too fond of pretty and perfect, I’ve decorated the house, bought the presents, and placed them under the tree, grossly ignoring the Incarnate One, the Child I’m supposed to be celebrating. Never stopping long enough to fall at His feet to worship or to rest. So, tired and frazzled I have collapsed into bed, exhausted and empty. Sound familiar?
I don’t want that scenario anymore. It’s too easy to get caught up in the externals of Christmas, never drawing near to the heart of God as He literally comes next to us. This year I want to follow the call of my heart instead of the momentary demands of my life. I say a huge “No!” to the emptiness of a plastered happy holiday mask on my face when my heart is crying out for true worship. For anyone else who battles this Yuletide monster, JOIN IN on The Christmas Challenge! It’s not too late.
SIX EASY TIPS:
to keep worship at the top of our to-do list,
making Jesus the priority,
and joyfully experiencing the wonder of this season.
The Christmas Challenge
Affirmations:
1. Begin your day with Jesus. Just get up five or ten minutes earlier. You can do that.
2. Be patient with yourself and rest when you need to rest.
3. Don’t get isolated. Delegate part of your work or have someone do it with you.
Questions:
1. Does it really need to be done? Can I simplify it in any way?
2. Do I need to do it or can someone else?
3. Does it have to be done today?
How simple is that? Beginning your day with worship, even a few minutes, makes you want even more time with Jesus. Welcoming Him into your schedule, to guide and order the details of your day changes everything.
Remember though, this is a journey. Some days you may fail with flying colors, but God’s grace will be available every new morning for He is faithful when we truly long to put Him first. So, whether you embark on this not-doing-it-the-same-old-way journey with ease or go two steps forward and three steps back, you will still make progress. You may not have a stress-free Christmas, but it will be calmer and more meaningful than last year, I’ll bet.
I wish each of you a worshipful, blessed Christmas,
Linda
“And now to him who can keep you on your feet, standing tall in his bright presence, fresh and celebrating—to our one God, our only Savior, through Jesus Christ, our Master, be glory, majesty, strength, and rule before all time, and now, and to the end of all time.”
Jude 24, 25
The Message