Holiday Expectations - Keeping It Real

 It’s that time of year when expectations run high… but they often don’t quite measure-up to reality. 

This holiday season is different for sure... Travel is being discouraged, gathering to share a meal with multi generations is frowned upon, and many do not have the additional resources to spare for lavish presents and overindulgences. 

We all have unmet expectations when it comes to Christmas.  

Now might be a good time to reevaluate what is really important this Christmas.  Faith, family and charity are my favorite things to focus on during this time of year. Here is my take on each of them:Christmas. 

FAITH -   Jesus is certainly the Reason for the Season. The babe in the manger born in Bethlehem came into this world to fulfill prophesy foretold long ago of a Savior – Christ the Lord.  He is our Prince of Peace during times of turmoil and uncertainty.  Jesus is the “indescribable gift” from the Father above.

(II Corinthians 9:15).

FAMILY -   Now there is a “loaded” subject.  We all have them, but sometimes we don't like them very much.  Often during family gatherings tensions arise between siblings, parents and children, and spouses.  Every family has their danger zone when it comes to relationship pitfalls.  Placing unrealistic expectations on your family can cause depression, anxiety, and anger.  Be sure bathe your holidays in prayer.  Extend grace where needed and use self-control liberally.

CHARITY -  Nothing makes you feel better than meeting a need and helping someone less fortunate than yourself.  Giving emulates the character of Jesus.  This is the season for gift giving and donating your time, energy and finances to worthy causes.  Share with others what the Lord has blessed you with. Remember, it is not the size of your gift – but the heart motive that matters.

Oftentimes family gatherings are a flashpoint for tensions.  

First of all - we likely don't have a perfect family - who does?  It might be stressful to deal with an ex-spouse or ex-in-laws.  Many people deal with new dynamics in a blended family. Things don’t always go as planned, so be sure to stay flexible and non-confrontational if possible.  Extend grace to others.  Don’t assume wrong motives.  Allow extra time for yourself in order to avoid a melt-down in the middle of cooking, cleaning and socializing with your extended family.  Ask others to help with food preparation, gift-wrapping, decorating and cleanup.

Give yourself permission to “let something go” that was on your to-do list without the guilt. Every year isn’t going to be a Norman Rockwell Christmas – and that is OKAY.   Recognize that not everyone is going to want to do what you want to do at Christmastime.  Give and take is essential with a large family as much as it is with a small one.  Feelings will get hurt and toes will get stepped on.  It’s OKAY.  Focus on the major things and don’t fret over the minor things.  Making memories that will last is honorable – but not at the expense of your sanity or your relationships.

Enjoy the journey. Keep your sanity by maintaining some boundaries.  Get plenty of rest, eat right, and exercise to keep yourself healthy and mentally balanced. Slow down...

Remember – JESUS is the Reason for the Season.  Everything else is just filler...

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.   Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

 If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Holiday Expectations - Keeping It Real

A Light Has Come Into The World

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was thus, when as his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.

But while he thought these things, behold, the Angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, the son of David, fear not to take Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her, is of the holy Ghost.

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.  And all this was done that it might be fulfilled, which is spoken of the Lord by the Prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which is by interpretation, God with us.

Then Joseph being raised from sleep, did as the Angel of the Lord had enjoined him, and took his wife.  But he knew her not, till she had brought forth her first born son, and he called his name JESUS.     (Matthew 1:18-25)


For Christians - Christmastime is a season of reflection and celebration.  It is a time to ponder, as did the shepherds, the star lit sky and the Savior of the world.  Luke 2:8-20 tells us that the shepherds were in the fields - watching over their flocks by night.  Suddenly, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and God's glory shone around them, and they were fearful.  After the angel assured them of their safety and informed them of the Savior's birth in Bethlehem, they hurried to see the Babe in the manger. Then they made widely known what had happened, spread the good news to others and glorified God for all they had seen and heard.

We too can share the good news of Christmas and the Gospel with others as we go about our daily routines.

Here are three of my favorite Christmas Blog posts -  please read and share with others...

A Child Is Born - A Son Is Given

Mary Did You Know?

The Magnificat - God Had A Plan

Dr. G Campbell Morgan said of Christmas:

"Here is the Ancient of Days becoming a babe in Bethlehem. Here is He who could summon the legions of angels and He's wrapped in swaddling clothes... the Mighty God becoming a helpless child."

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

A Light Has Come Into The World

Christmas: Great Expectations? Keep it real…

123RF Stock Photo

It’s that time of year when expectations run high… but often don’t quite measure-up with reality. 

This Christmas has been a little different than most for our family.  My Dad has been facing a serious health issue since the fall, and that has put everything in a new perspective.  My Mom and I have spent days in and out of the hospital with him, and it has taken a toll on her health as well.  Caring for aging parents can be time consuming, emotionally draining, and physically challenging.

We all have unmet expectations when it comes to the holidays.  

Now might be a good time to reevaluate what is really important this Christmas.  Faith, family and charity are my favorite things to focus on during this time of year.  Here is my take on each one of them:

FAITH -   Jesus is certainly the Reason for the Season.  The babe in the manger born in Bethlehem came into this world to fulfill prophesy foretold long ago of a Savior – Christ the Lord.  He is our Prince of Peace during times of turmoil and uncertainty.  Jesus is the “indescribable gift” from the Father above.

(II Corinthians 9:15).

FAMILY -   Now there is a “loaded” subject.  We all have them, but sometimes we don't like them very much.  Often during family gatherings tensions arise between siblings, parents and children, and spouses.  Every family has their danger zone when it comes to relationship pitfalls.  Placing unrealistic expectations on your family can cause depression, anxiety, and anger.  Be sure bathe your holidays in prayer.  Extend grace where needed and use self-control liberally.

CHARITY -  Nothing makes you feel better than meeting a need and helping someone less fortunate than yourself.  Giving emulates the character of Jesus.  This is the season for gift giving and donating your time, energy and finances to worthy causes.  Share with others what the Lord has blessed you with.   Remember, it is not the size of your gift – but the heart motive that matters.

Oftentimes family gatherings are a flashpoint for tensions.  

Norman Rockwell - Google Images

It might be stressful to deal with an ex-spouse or ex-in-laws.  Things don’t always go as planned, so be sure to stay flexible and non-confrontational if possible.  Don’t assume wrong motives.  Allow extra time for yourself in order to avoid a melt-down in the middle of cooking, cleaning and socializing with your extended family.  Ask others to help with food preparation, gift-wrapping, decorating and cleanup.

Give yourself permission to “let something go” that was on your to-do list without the guilt. Every year isn’t going to be a Norman Rockwell Christmas – and that is OKAY.  

Recognize that not everyone is going to want to do what you want to do at Christmastime.  Give and take is essential with a large family as much as with a small one.  Feelings will get hurt and toes will get stepped on.  It’s OKAY.  Focus on the major things and don’t fret over the minor things.  Making memories that will last is honorable – but not at the expense of your sanity or your relationships.

Remember – JESUS is the Reason for the Season.  Everything else is filler...

Here are some of my Christmas posts from previous years -

Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh

Mary Did you Know?

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Christmas: Great Expectations? Keep it real…

Prince of Peace

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

(Isaiah 9:6)

 
 
I don’t know about you, but I desperately need an extra measure of peace in our day and time, especially during the holiday season. The biblical key to peace is Christ’s Authority!

Webster defines “peace” in this way: a state of tranquility or quiet; a state of security or order within a community; a state or period of mutual concord; without strife or disorder… When the Lord Jesus becomes your Lord and Savior, you gain access to His peace.

The Book of Isaiah uses the word peace 26 times. God promised the nation of Israel peace when they returned wholeheartedly to the Lord. Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” In 32:17 Isaiah tells us, “The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.” Again in Isaiah 48:17-18 & 22, “Thus says the Lord, you Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: ‘I am the Lord your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go. Oh, that you had heeded My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea’…’There is no peace,’ says the Lord, ‘for the wicked.’”

The apostle Paul concluded the book of II Thessalonians with this benediction, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.” Ephesians 2:14 states, “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of division between us.” Paul also says in Philippians 4:7, “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

More importantly, Jesus Himself says in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

When you have Jesus as the center of your life, He is the “still water” and tranquility you need to sustain you in a world of turmoil and chaos. He is our example of peace and our inspiration for peace. When we make peace with Jesus, we are no longer at enmity with God. Our salvation guarantees us peace forever with our Creator.

Jesus becomes our peace as we bend our knee to His Authority. Because He is the Vine and we are the branches (John 15), we are to receive that peace from His reservoir. Peace comes to those who gladly receive downstream, that which Jesus begins upstream. We find our security in Who He is. Colossians 3:15 says, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” He is the source of a peace that surpasses all understanding…

Prince of Peace