Ever go for a long drive somewhere and have so much on your mind that you arrive at your destination without a clue how you got there? Did you stop at all the red lights and stop signs? What route did you end up taking.
So busy in your thoughts, you forgot to pay attention to your driving.
You were on autopilot.
That's what the holiday season can be like. We overcommit ourselves and get sucked into the busyness of the season. By the time the New Year rolls in we need a vacation! It's time to do something different. Christmas time can be like a season we switch to autopilot and become exhausted, instead of a season to be a family and intentionally make time to remember the reason for the season - Christ.
Ephesians 5:15-17 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Here are a few things we can do to keep our holiday season stress free, busy free, and keep our hearts and minds focused on Christ.
Put that to-do list on a diet.
Don't make your first priority everything everyone wants you to go to. Decide what you and your spouse want this season to be about. When you look back, do you want to remember how busy you were, how many dinners you went to or shows or events you attended? Write that down. This will be sort of like your holiday mission statement. Put that somewhere that you and your spouse will be reminded of it constantly.
Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness...
Matthew 6:19-21 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth.....
Reduce the gift list.
Christmas is more about giving of ourselves,than it is about buying and giving a gift. At least, it should be. This year, give the gift of yourself to your loved ones or to a charity. Make a date out of it it and go serve at your local soup kitchen, or homeless shelter. Or maybe visit the senior community of your neighborhood with your spouse. Sit down and play a card game with some of the elderly there, talk with them, ask them about their life and what Christmas means to them. List to them laugh with them, and spend your time - with them. That's a gift they will cherish and have with them always. It's better than a box of Christmas cookies.
1 John 4:10-11 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that He loves us.......
James 2:14-17 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?..........
Schedule in down time.
For every day you have an event or activity to attend, add in at least one day of down time at home. Take naps together, read to each other, study a few bible verses together, or watch a Christmas movie together. In the midst of the chaotic holidays, claim your calm and give yourselves the opportunity to be still for a bit.
Heavenly Father, Christmas-time is such a blessed season of the year as we remember the firth of our Lord Jesus Christ in a stable in Bethlehem, and how we thank You for giving Your only begotten o be born into this world.. so that be His death and resurrection, He could become our Saviour, and we could become Your children. Lord we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all Your goodness and grace to us, and gor loving us so much that You chose to be born into our race so that we might be identified with Your righteousness. Praise Your hold name.
Amen
