Four Reminders at Christmas

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2 ESV). We are almost midway to Christmas Day. Suddenly as I was writing these devotionals I realized how easy it might be to be unprepared for some of the practical things that happen at this time of the year. So, I decided I’d offer four reminders to help through the season. Believe me this is not to disparage the true nature of Christmas. Dr. Seuss wasn’t thinking of me when he wrote How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Charles Dickens would not have asked me to play Scrooge in his story. Please remember that as you read today’s devotional. I’m not anti-Christmas, nor do I brandish the overused bumper sticker, “Put Christ Back into Christmas.” Mary and I have a tree every year. We exchange presents, play Christmas music, sing along with the carols, enjoy family, and (horror of horrors) are not politically correct as we wish people “Merry Christmas.” But you’ll have to agree, Christmas is not without its unique problems and temptations. So, here’s some suggestions to help. Be careful not to substitute the temporal for the eternal. Our reading today speaks to that. It’s important that we focus on what we’re celebrating. It is our Savior’s arrival, not Santa’s. The significance of giving presents is to be directly related to God’s presenting us the gift of His Son, and our children need that reminder year in and year out. We don’t need to get rid of Santa, we simply need to remember who the great gift-giver is. Be aware that this is a wonderful time to share the Gospel. People are more open to the gospel at this time of the year than any other. Be aware of the moments when you can genuine share the story of Christ with them. Be careful with your spending. No one likes to give more extravagantly than I do. However, I must discipline myself to think before I spend. Be aware of getting built up for the letdown. The period of time after Christmas is one of the difficult emotional times of the year. People simply get so exciting that “normal” feels bad. If you stay occupied with the Person of Christ, you’ll seldom have to fight off the after Christmas blues. Please enjoy the holidays now. Have a wonderful time on Christmas. I pray your every moment will be filled with blessing far exceeding your dreams and expectations. As we snowball through the next two weeks, have fun! And, remember, He cam that you might have such a life. Jesus’ birth is all about giving us abundant life! Take it in great gulps. Just think, this could be our last; He may be just on the eastern horizon waiting the sounding of the trumpet to come again!