Are you ready? Thanksgiving was already two weeks ago. Christmas is around the corner. And before we know it, it will all be over.
The holiday season is a sacred time. It’s an opportunity for us to reflect on God’s goodness to us. It’s a time to celebrate and enjoy God’s gifts!
So how can we purpose to cultivate this in our homes? How do we fit in this important aspect of thankfulness into the holiday season?
Be an Example
It’s no secret that our children copy our behavior. If we are running around like crazy ladies, complaining about the long line at the grocery store, not having enough time to make Christmas cookies, and about how miserable the weather is, this is the tone we are setting for our homes.
Elisabeth Elliot said, “Thanksgiving is a spiritual exercise, necessary to the building of a healthy soul. It takes us out of the stuffiness of ourselves into the fresh breeze and sunlight of the will of God.”
Doesn’t that sound lovely! If thanksgiving is exercise, then it’s not something that just happens. We need to make time for it and look for opportunities to practice it! The line at the grocery store is so long, but I’m thankful for the extra time to spend with my daughter who is shopping with me. I’m thankful that we have a grocery store at all and that they had the items I was shopping for. I’m thankful for the means to purchase food and the time that I now have to get to know older man in front of me in line.
There are ways to be thankful in all circumstances!
“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
God’s Word
No matter how full our calendars are this year, all of our plans need to revolve around Christ and his word. Why is our schedule full of cookie exchanges, parties, and concerts? Because we are celebrating! The best way to celebrate the season is by remembering. We remember best by reflecting on God’s words.
There are so many ways to incorporate God’s word during the holidays. One of our favorite ways to do this is to read through Luke during the month of December. Reading about how God orchestrated every detail leading up to Christ’s birth and during his life is a great reminder of God’s abounding love for us. It’s a reminder that he is a merciful and caring Father, who willingly sent his son to live and die on our behalf.
Other ways to do this are memorizing scripture (Luke 2 is a great goal) or having an advent calendar with daily scripture readings. Making time for a special tradition that revolves around God’s word is perfect way to remember God’s goodness to us.
I do not want to rush through this beautiful season! My prayer is that we all make the time in the holiday hustle and bustle for the real reason we are celebrating.
“Go, Tell It On The Mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere;
Go, Tell It On The Mountain, that Jesus Christ is born.”
“Go, Tell It On The Mountain,”
Love,
Hannah
