How to make Christmas a time of celebration and not a time of survival…
The one most important and vital things we can do is this: Have a quiet time with the Lord, either in the early morning or the night before, BUT for the new day coming. Asking directions, asking for creative alternatives, what to do in all problem areas. HE WILL HELP YOU. Give him a chance.
James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom let him ask God, who gives to all men/ women generously and without reproach and it will be given him/her”
Ask confidently- claiming this promise- believing in your heart he will give you ideas and direction.
James 1:6 “But let him ask in faith- with no doubting- for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.”
As you enter this Christmas season are you feelings driven and tossed? Driven by your own desires for a perfect Christmas? Driven by traditions of your family and tossed by what your own children want and the desires of your husband’s family? Only Jesus can give you peace!
Isaiah 26:3 “Thou dost keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee.”
Read Isaiah 30:15-19. Part of it says, “In quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”
Oh, try to do what the Lord tells us to do. See if His promises are not true.
Psalm 34:08 “Oh taste and see that the Lord is good! Happy is the man who takes refuge in Him.”
What are the promises we as women can claim everyday but especially this moth to help us through Christmas?
Proverbs 16:3 “Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established.”
How? Sit down- in a quiet place- no one else around- with a cup of tea or coffee- and have a chat with the Lord. Have a pen and paper ready.
Make a list of the all things you have to do….for the day… the month… the things that are making you feel pressured regarding Christmas. THEN give the list to the Lord. Commit your work to the Lord.
“Lord this is all I would like to do for Christmas. Please show me what I am ABLE to do, as a blessing to my family and not making them crazy. What can I eliminate? What can I do in any easier way? Show me Lord. I will listen. I need your help.”
Then CLAIM THE LORD’S PROMISES!
Proverbs 16:9 “A mans mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”
Proverbs 20:24 “A mans steps are ordered by the Lord.”
Then Listen- TO THE STILL SMALL VOICE, joy down ideas that come.
I Kings 19:11-12 “………….But the Lord was not in the wind… But the Lord was not in the earthquake…..But the Lord was not in the fire…… And after the fire A STILL SMALL VOICE.”
Learn to know that still small voice. It comes with practice. We can claim the promise that we will know His voice. He has promised!
John 10:27 “My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me.”
John 8:47 “He who is of God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”
(Do you really know him? Is he your personal savior? None of this will work for you if you are not His. If you do not know Him and would like to, ask a friend to pray with you to invite him in. What a Christmas gift to yourself this Christmas! Or just pray yourself.)
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths.”
“Oh Lord, I acknowledge that you know what is best for me and my family. I acknowledge that you are wiser than I am. Please now take these jumbled plans and make them straight. Make them easy. Make them joyful. Oh, Lord take my burden. “
Psalm 56:22 “Cast your burden on the Lord and he will sustain you.”
Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me all who labor and are heavy laded and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gently and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and MY burden is light.”
Is your burden heavier than you can bear? Then perhaps it is not the burden the Lord would have you carry, as he has promised that HIS burden is light. What are your burdens? Are your desires greater than your time, energy, and budget? Are you being pressured by certain relatives and friends? Are you short of money? Are memories of past Christmases- good or bad-keeping you from enjoying the present Christmas? Whatever your burdens- Give them to the Lord. Go over each one with the Lord. You will be amazed and more likely will say, “That was simple- why didn’t I think of that?”