CHRISTMAS CHOICES
Can we be honest? Do you ever feel like the Christmas season can too quickly turn into a hectic time of year when you feel like you HAVE to do so many things to get ready to celebrate? Then, when the time comes, you find it very hard to really celebrate? Or am I the only one who sometimes slips into that frustrating frenzy?
Well, it doesn’t have to be that way, my friends. Right? We have choices. We can choose to see gifting as a chance, not a chore … see decorating as festive, not frenzied … see sending cards and visiting people as an opportunity to encourage, not endure. You get the picture. Maybe with a little more heart, Christmas doesn’t have to be so hard.
So, as my little Christmas gift to you, here is a quick list of heart things from which to choose a few that are right for you, as you savor the season … slowly … as you mosey about … listening for the whispers of God to maybe do things like:
DECORATE WITH JOY. Let’s not see it as a chore to knock out; let it become a winsome part of the seasonal celebration as you cherish Christmas memories, make new ones, and anticipate the holiday things to come!
DO THINGS TOGETHER. That winsomeness can be infectious if you invite family and/or friends to do the Christmas “chores” with you to transform them into cherished memories, rather than doing them on your own to just get them done and off your list.
LAUGH WITH CHILDREN. Laughter, especially with the kids and grandkids, is an instant gift to cherish, not an annoying noise that slows down progress on the tasks at hand.
VISIT SENIOR ADULTS. This is one of the easiest ways to bring Christmas cheer to those who are often forgotten in various facilities around town and bring cheer to your family as you think beyond yourselves to enrich the lives of others.
LISTEN WITH HEART. People, young and old, have a life story with many chapters that can be fascinating, if you listen with your heart as you enter their world for a while.
PACE YOUR ACTIVITIES. While there is always too much to do, you don’t have to rush and weave through all the traffic, literally or figuratively, which will stress you out as well as those around you. Make it feel more like a leisurely country drive where things will get done in their time. You might even choose to drop a thing or two off your list, now that you are taking the time to think through your choices.
ENCOURAGE HOSPITAL PATIENTS. It can feel especially lonely for people who are isolated in a hospital, away from home and their usual Christmas activities. A gracious card, gift, and/or a visit can help brighten up their day or even the season.
BLESS YOUR NEIGHBORS. A small plate of goodies with a bow and a brief note of appreciation can go a long way in cultivating a warm neighborhood to live in the rest of the year!
GIVE TO CHARITIES. From dropping a few bucks in a Salvation Army bucket to sponsoring new water wells in Africa, or medical supplies in South America in the name of some friends and family can be a great way to give back in a spirit of appreciation for how God has blessed us.
MAKE GIFTS PERSONAL. Find something well suited for someone given their personal background, hobbies, interests, or preferences, and add a little note like: “Love the way you look in red!” Or “Love your passion for ________!” Or “I think this is sooo YOU!” Or “This totally makes me think of you and smile!”
SHARE CHRISTMAS MEMORIES. Sharing brief, heartwarming memories and stories can add a richness to those holiday meals and gatherings and give people some great ideas for their family.
CREATE NEW TRADITIONS. Take the ideas shared by friends and family or seen in Christmas movies, publications, or blog sites, and add those traditions to your family celebrations!
READ LUKE, CHAPTER 2 ALOUD. Thinking deeper and more gratefully by reading the Christmas story out loud for others around the Christmas tree, sitting by a fire, or at a gathering, touches our hearts and spirits.
CELEBRATE THE SAVIOR. Invest the time to attend a Christmas Eve or Christmas morning service to honor the One who makes Christmas and our lives more meaningful than we can possibly imagine.
We are living in difficult times. Many of us are dealing with challenging things. Most people don’t like to let on. They can get lost in the darkness of deeper struggles and painful sorrow that we can’t imagine. They need hope.
Who knows? Your smiles, hopes, attitudes, prayers and choices may be just the right set of Christmas lights that can really brighten up their lives this season, even if just for a moment. Ahhhh …
May we listen for His whispers to make the best choices for bringing joy to the world—the Lord has come!
Wishing you a Blessed and Merry Christmas,
Pastor Mark
I’d be honored to speak at your church!
You can reach me at [email protected].
Broadcasts/articles/videos atmarkpg.org. Hear me every Saturday at 8 a.m. on 91.5 FM!
