Christmas & Beyond

It's the time of the year where shoppers are mobbing the stores, filling carriages, and others making preparations as Christmas is fast approaching. Some are trimming trees already as others are just bringing out their decorations from storage to get them ready for the family tree trimming day. Some have their trees already trimmed and decorated. Houses are being decked with boughs of holly. Long held traditions are being put into action. People making sure they got all the gifts for each child as well as for family and friends on their list as they rack up credit card debt or maxing those credit cards out. Children are looking forward to Christmas vacation from school and opening all their presents. And then there is the flash forward, smiling as they think of Christmas day being with family and friends and gathering around the Christmas tree and possibly eating all day.

And then "OH DEAR!" ... Little Matty wants the latest toy and Mommy has to get to the store early to pick up the latest toy while trying not to get trampled by the other parents who are also trying to get their sons and daughters the latest toy. People get stressed out as they watch the dollar amount accumulate on their credit cards. Some man is stuck in line as he mutters something about the commercialization of Christmas while he has been waiting in line for ten plus minutes. Then there is the concern if Uncle Lou or Aunt Clara will jump over the dinner table to try to clobber Uncle Clyde or Aunt Betty. Who’s going to sit next to Aunt Hilda at the Christmas meal because she won’t let anyone get a word in edgewise? The stress runs high, blood pressure boiling, and tempers ready to hit the fan when a tray of cookies gets burned or someone knocks the gravy onto the floor… I could go on and on.

BUT HERE IS WHAT I HOPE FOR

EVERYONE THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON

I hope you will be filled with the peace that comes from God alone.

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.'” -Matthew 11:28-30

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

-Philippians 4:6-7

I hope you remember the real season for this season:

Jesus Christ, Son of God, Our Lord and Savior

sent by God to this Earth.

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” -John 3:16

“Then Jesus told her, ‘I am the Messiah!'” -John 4:26

I hope you always remember to count ALL your blessings:

big, small, and the extravagant!

“Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” -James 1:17

May each and everyone have an awesomely blessed Christmas season, and remember to take time out to reflect on the goodness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Much Love To You All.