Good morning on this 15th of December snowy Saturday. Usually we think of the wonderful aspects of Christmas as we approach the holiday: gatherings with family and friends, decorations and beautifully lighted trees, lots of great food and fellowship, gifts and giving, and most importantly, the commemoration of Christ's birth. These are all truly wonderful things which make Christmas the favorite time of the year for most people. What is often overlooked is that Christmas can also be a very stressful time for so many people. Pressures associated with preparing, busier schedules, shopping, and hosting can add much fatigue and time pressure to our lives. It can also force us to diminish our time spent with the Lord - a surprising paradox since all of this is supposed to be about Him in the first place. Here are some practical suggestions to help us enjoy the Christmas festivities fully without excess stress.
(1) Don't let the extra demands rob you of spending quality time with Christ each day. You will get more done with God's blessings than without them. Time spent in fellowship with Him will add much joy to each day and make the season more meaningful and joyous.
(2) Diligently organize your schedule and practice planning to get maximum effect of your time and energy. Making a few well planned trips to the store will save considerable time and energy compared to frequent unplanned runs. Make lists of things to do, organize them in order of priority, and follow through with their completion.
(3) Don't over commit. Sometimes we just can't do everything we would like. Budget your time and energy as you would budget your money.
(4) Don't overspend. A huge part of the stress associated with Christmas involves spending too much, then struggling to make ends meet as the bills come due.
(5) Ask for help when you need it. Family members and friends will share the joys and some of the responsibilities when needed if we only ask. So often we have not because we ask not, not only from God but also from others.
(6) Put Christ in the center of your Christmas. Attend the Christmas services at church and spend some time on Christmas day counting your blessings and giving thanks.
(7) Have realistic expectations. If everything goes perfectly, that is the exception rather than the rule. Too often we feel let down because of unmet expectations which may have been too high or unrealistic. People are not perfect and neither is every circumstance. Concentrate on what you have not on what you don't and on the good not the bad. Every situation is not good, but God is always good and we can rejoice in Him always.
Speaking of Christmas services, tomorrow is our Christmas musical drama, I hope to see you there.
Pastor Brown