What say you?

Christmas time is here...happiness and cheer...

Go ahead, finish the tune, you know you know it!  Nothing says Christmas is here like seeing all those specials, sales, movies, decorations and of course Charlie Brown's sad little Christmas tree on TV.  This is the time of year where we extend a little more grace.  We love a little more, grumble a little less.  But let me ask you this- during all the hustle and bustle to please family and enjoy the "holiday", do you tend to lose perspective of what Christmas truly is?  Do you allow yourself to become so consumed with the commercial side of Christmas that you forget why we even celebrate?  Don't feel guilty, we all have those moments.  We are human and tend to get caught up in this world.  But as God tells us in His Word,

Be careful not to forget the Lord.- Deuteronomy 6:12 HCSB

If the busy pace of the impending Christmas season leaves you robbed of the peace only Christ can provide then you may need to revamp your perspective.  If this is you, you are too busy dear friend for your own good.   In order to be able to rest in the peace that God provides, you must slow down long enough to feel God's presence.  You must slow down long enough to feel His loving arms around you. 

What if, instead of running yourself crazy, you took a moment and accepted a gift from God?  What if you just spent time alone with God?  I've learned through my Bible Study of Revelation that God created us to worship Him.  When we pray, we are worshipping God.  When we sing, we are worshipping God.  When we serve, we are worshipping God.  When we love others as Christ loves us, we are worshipping God.  How amazing that we have a God who loves to hear His children worship and praise Him at all times and in so many ways.  What if, instead of getting caught up in this "worldly" holiday celebration, you took time to receive the gift of love and peace that God desires for you from Him.  Barbara Johnson once said, "Attitude is the mind's paintbrush; it can color any situation".  What's your attitude?

Look closely inside the folds of your heart.  Is the Holy Spirit convicting you to slow down?  How remarkable this Christmas season could be if everyone truly took the time to worship and praise God for the gift of His Son who was sacrificed so that we may be found without fault- as white as snow.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love it when it snows.  I don't see the headaches and frustrations that others see but instead, I see the constant reminder of how God sees me.  One of my BSF friends even went further to say, under the pretty white snow is all the muck and yuck, just like us.  But God doesn't look at that- he sees us as His children.  He sees love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness on each of us.  Shouldn't THAT be a gift worth celebrating this Christmas?  Shouldn't we all slow down and be reminded by the snow that we are loved and forgiven and then praise God that He loves us that much.  The most precious gift any of us could ever receive isn't in a store or online  but rather was given to this world in a manager.  A lowly stable one night in Bethlehem. 

Instead of trying to please everyone on Christmas, refocus and work on pleasing God with your praise and your thankfulness.  Try not to forget that Christ didn't come as a King but rather as a servant and a Savior.  Worship and praise must be woven into our very being.  It must be part of everything we do.  Worship and praise should be our biggest gift to our Heavenly Father this Christmas, and every day.  Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.- 1 Timothy 4:12 NKJV

"Being busy, in and of itself, is not a sin.  But being busy in an endless pursuit of things that leave us empty and hollow and broken inside-that cannot be pleasing to God."-Max Lucado

I challenge you...be busy this Christmas season with God.  Be busy praising Him who desires to lavish you with a love beyond anything you could ever comprehend.  Be busy worshipping God through all that you do each day.  Be busy setting the example. Always remember that today is a gift, a priceless gift given to you by God.  It is a unique treasure and an opportunity to truly show God how thankful you are.  I challenge you to use this Christmas season as an opportunity to be joyful and productive and to encourage others to do the same.

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your loving kindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night.  Psalm 92:1-2 NKJV

May you find the love and peace God is offering you this Christmas.  May your most treasured gift not come wrapped in a box with pretty paper and a bow but rather, may it come through your praise and worship of your Heavenly Father.  I pray that each of you feels the love and peace that only God can provide this Christmas.  May you exude the love of Christ in all you do in preparing for the birth of our King.  May the light of Christ be with each of you today, tomorrow, and always.

Merry Christmas~