Ah the holidays! We’ve made it through the turkey trials, recovered from Black Friday exhaustion and now we’re in the holiday home stretch! As we near the end of the year, we’re coming into the heart of the holiday season. As I think of this time of year, I can’t help but remember the age old songs that make up the soundtrack for this time of year. You know these songs also; songs like “Joy to the World” or “Silent Night” whose beautiful lyrics sing “Silent night, Holy night, all is calm, all is bright”.
“All is calm…” makes for great Christmas lyrics, but it doesn’t quite define our lives during the holiday season does it? Maybe “all is busier…” or “all is more expensive” and there doesn’t seem to be so much “joy to the world” does there?
See what happens to us during this time of year is that our regular routines get thrown in the air. Quite frankly, our life-rhythm is disrupted. We are met with a busier schedule, bigger expenses; at times we are expected to go to parties that we have to go to, you know those parties don’t you? You’re there because you have to be there, not necessarily because you want to be; this is a rhetorical question, but I know you’re nodding your head as you think of all your holiday obligations.
Unfortunately we are unable to enjoy the “holiday spirit” because we’re so overwhelmed by “holiday attitudes”. So often I hear how people dread the holidays because of family strife, because of the worry of not having enough to give the desired gifts, or at times simply because they’re just plain exhausted.
You know, the the holidays should be a time of joy, of love, of celebration of happiness. However joy, love and happiness aren’t created by the holiday spirit, they come by the Spirit of God.
“But the Holy Spirit creates this type of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There is no law against these things.” Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)
See whether it’s summer or winter, normal days or holidays, our lives should demonstrate the presence of God through our actions and our attitudes. If the holidays bring a spirit of worry or bitterness to those around you, I want you to remember that the Holy Spirit, not holiday spirit determines how you live!
You are an agent of God’s peace on earth! You bring love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness gentleness and self-control by walking in God’s peace!
peace: freedom from oppressive and disquieting thoughts or emotions; a state of calm and tranquility; a time where there is no war or fighting.
The Holy Spirit is working in you to empower you to walk through the holidays and actually, through life, with a mind that is free from oppressive thoughts or emotions. You have freedom from the anxiety and distractions, you have freedom from the pressure of life around you. You have a calm mind that allows you to have harmony with people around you.
I believe that no matter how busy our lives get, no matter what situations we’re facing, no matter who or what we have to deal with, we can be at peace during these next few weeks and beyond!
Because the living God is at work in your heart, you are God’s peace on earth! You carry that peace with you to every holiday party you go to (whether you want to be there or not), God’s peace will protect your heart and the heart of your family as you make wise decisions for your spending. Peace on earth, begins with you!
Live Extraordinarily!
Jared
