iShineInMinistry

Psalm 16:9

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope.

I cannot tell you how much I love this time of year! Add the fact that it is my first Christmas in New York and my little joy-filled heart goes into overdrive for this season. The lights, the music, the stores…oh my gosh, the stores! I cannot even say just how antsy I get because there are so many activities to do and places to see. Meanwhile, I also have work and other ‘real things’ to get accomplished, so you can imagine how tired I am by the end of the week because I need to do everything right now…including the fun stuff, especially the fun stuff!

Now as I feel my body warning me of oncoming sickness, realization has set in and I realize that I can be joyful in this time and rejoice in the season where we celebrate the birth of Jesus; but I also need to calm down and get some rest. I need to be hopeful about who the Lord is in my life, rather than bouncing around from activity to activity, especially when some of these things may seem great but are completely useless or meaningless in actuality. How can we have glad hearts in this season and not get so wrapped up in all of the hectic chaos? Here are three things I suggest we all do to keep our hearts and minds on track.

1) Read the Christmas story- start at the prophecy then work your way to the actual birth of Jesus. This is a great way to prepare your heart for this time of year so that your perspective can stay on track as more events, tasks and gift purchasing try to overcrowd the reason for the season.

2) Be sure to pray for those who are in need- do you have any idea how many people will be all alone, homeless or missing a loved one that passed away during this time of year? We have so much to be thankful for and we also have a world out there that needs someone praying for them. Let your heart think of others instead of focusing on yourself.

3) Tell your family you love them- I know sometimes when all the family is in the same small space at once and people start to get ‘hangry’ waiting for Christmas dinner to be ready is when things may get said that should not be said. Unresolved conflict may arise or you may just get annoyed because your personal space is being taken over by multiple cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Please take the time to be loving to those closest to you in this time of year and also know that they are made in the image of God (also, if they are not saved you need to keep praying for them!).

Take this time to enjoy the season, but please also make sure to slow down and look to Jesus, the one who came to this earth to save the world. Have a fabulous Christmas season, rejoicing and resting!

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given…

How are you keeping your focus and making sure not to get burned out this Christmas?