IT IS DIFFICULT to believe it’s already December and another year is about to come to a close. At times, I have dreaded seeing December approach because I knew there was so much for me to accomplish. After all, during December, we wives and mothers have the responsibility of buying presents for our loved ones, decorating our home for Christmas, and preparing the holiday meals.
In recent years, I have come to realize that instead of dreading the season, we should relax and enjoy this time of year. It is a time filled with many festive activities and events. But in the busyness of the Christmas season, let us not forget the reason we celebrate this time of the year—the birth of our Savior and Redeemer.
I believe we should focus on our family and make lasting memories our children will talk about for years to come. It’s not always the elaborate gifts our children and grandchildren remember but the time we have set aside to enjoy being with them.
Unfortunately, when families get together, disagreements and past offenses may surface. If this happens, I encourage you to practice what the Apostle Paul admonishes us to do. He said, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Phil. 4:8 NKJV).
Don’t continually remind yourself of what someone did to you in the past. Reminding yourself of hurts and offenses only does damage to you. Forget the past and press toward the future.
Some of you may face this holiday season without one of your loved ones. My husband and I can certainly understand the emotions that seem to overwhelm you during this time.
I remember the first Christmas without my father. I was dealing with so many emotions, as I was very close to him. My husband and children wanted to give me something that would bring comfort to me. When I opened my last gift, which was from the entire family, I was so blessed.
It was a gold charm for my bracelet with the inscription, “The heart remembers.” My father’s name and dates of birth and death were engraved on the back. That special gift brought such comfort to me. It reminded me that although my dad is no longer on this earth, it’s all right for me to remember him.
If you are experiencing the absence of a loved one during the Christmas season, remember that the Holy Spirit is your Comforter. Rest in Him and allow Him to minister to your heart and emotions. He is there with just the right words and thoughts to help you get through the difficult times.
Christmas is a great opportunity to minister to others. My husband and I have occasionally invited someone who has recently lost a loved one or who will be alone for the holidays to be a part of our family Christmas dinner. It brings us joy to be able to minister to the hurting at this time of year.
Jesus gave us our mission in Matthew 5:14–16 (NLT): “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
There are many hurting people in the world, and Jesus is their answer. You are the light of your world. Let your light burn so brightly that you become an instrument for presenting Christ to those around you.
Once again, I encourage you to be sensitive to those who are hurting and extend to them the gift of love. Make good memories with your family members. Each Christmas my husband always reminds the family before opening our gifts, that most of all we need to thank the Lord for the goodness He has bestowed on us. My prayer is that you and your family will have a wonderful Christmas.
Author
Lynette Hagin
Share this Post