By Cyndi
Yes, it’s that time of year again—Christmas. The holidays bring forth lots of emotions, stress, and busyness. But there are 3 things the Father has been speaking to me about for the season this year—Family, Friends, and Faith.
Family
Some of us are blessed to have a good family, relatives we actually like to be around. Some of us have difficult family situations. Getting together with relatives can cause old hurts to resurface and painful childhood memories to be relived again. And no matter what kind of family we have, there can often be tension simply by getting that many people together at one time! All of us have changed since last year too: aged, married, divorced, had kids, had surgery, traveled, lost loved ones, gone through different life experiences, etc. None of us are in the same place we were the last time we got together. So I have a few suggestions that may help:
- Humble yourself and allow the grace of God to flow through you.
- Give grace to your elders, for we do not know how much longer we have with them.
- Make amends, forgive.
- Listen, laugh, love.
Our relationships with our family are important.
Friends
There’s a line in the song, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, that says, “Faithful friends who are dear to us, gather near to us once more.” Be careful to not get caught up in presents or gift-giving. Be the gift yourself.
- Give of your time and heart to those around you.
- Reach out to someone who may not have many friends and welcome them into your circle.
- Befriend strangers, invite them to church, share a cup of coffee.
- Be kind to one another.
- Smile, hug, take time to visit.
- Call someone you haven’t seen in a while.
- Make memories.
Faith
This is one time of year when most of the world recognizes Jesus’ birth. Let us not forget to take the time to reflect on His coming to earth as Immanuel — God with us.
- Share your faith.
- Be kind, be nice, be generous.
- Reflect His love to everyone you come in contact with — yes, even in the holiday traffic.
Remember that He is always with you and will never forsake you. You are never alone no matter what you are going through. He loves you with an everlasting love.
Christmas is a time for peace on earth, good will toward men. Remember the end of the story of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas? Let your heart grow and explode with goodness, kindness, gentleness, and all the fruits of the Spirit just like his did. It’s not about the presents, it’s about His Presence.
Love came down. Let us spread it around.
Merry Christmas.