The snow was beautiful and very unexpected. Yes, we were told it was possible, but we didn’t believe it would be as much and as picturesque. Many posted pictures on Facebook and commented on how the snow added to their exuberance. I think that snow brings out the child-like joy in all of us. When it happens at this time of the year, there is a warm, fuzzy feeling and jubilation that many describe as getting the Christmas spirit.
Is this what the Spirit of the season should be for us? Is it the decorations, the lights, the presents, the activities, the food, and the parties that help us get the Spirit during this time of celebration? Ask yourself what puts you into the Spirit at Christmas.
There was a time in my life when I would have answered that question by saying that Christmas is a celebration of Jesus’ birthday, but in order for me to have the “spirit” of the season, I had to work to create a certain standard to make it feel like Christmas. I had to decorate every room in the house, I had to place wreaths on every door and window, and I had to make sure the presents were perfect for each person receiving a gift. I had certain foods that must be served, and spiced cider and hot chocolate must be available every night. I placed so many expectations on what made the season that most of the time, it fully exhausted me. So often, I would work myself into just being ready for Christmas Day to be over so that I could rest.
On Christmas morning in 1997, that ideal standard of the way to celebrate Christmas changed. Tragedy struck our family when our two oldest children, Richard and Ryann, were carried by Angels to their Heavenly home. God used an automobile accident as the avenue of their departure, and our entire life changed.
We didn’t think we would ever come out of the deep, dark pit of total despair into which we had been plunged. We were angry, heartbroken, confused, and physically felt as if we would also die. We were overwhelmed and spiritually drained.
What we didn’t realize is that the ultimate source of peace that can overcome our overwhelmed souls was there to minister to us in a way that only comes through the true Spirit of Christmas…JESUS.
The next year I began stressing and feeling anxious about how could I possibly do anything associated with the Christmas Season. I began praying about my fear of facing this anniversary or that dreadful day. Jesus had shown His love to us in so many ways that I knew He would help me through it, but I just didn’t know if I would ever be able to have an enjoyable time during the Season. My faithful Father, through the whispers of the Holy Spirit, gave me the answer to my prayer.
The Spirit revealed to me that I had always approached Christmas with my ideas and that they were traditions that will pass away. I should be looking for the ETERNAL of the Season. Jesus said:
Give Me your whole heart,
Give Me your undivided worship,
Give Me the praise from your lips,
Give Me your time – just us!
I was led to the Word of God and shown Scripture that has become my way of life. It is found in Philippians 4: 4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: REJOICE! Let your
gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about
anything but in every situation, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving,
present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
He gave us three sure standards in these verses that will help us through the most difficult situations in our lives.
1. Rejoice – I believe that praising Jesus, telling Him how thankful you are for His blessings in your life, singing to the Lord, reading Scripture aloud – He will change your perspective. Now when I start to feel anxious or overwhelmed, this is where I start. I like to get out paper and pen and write down my praises and reasons to be thankful.
2. Pray, pray, and pray again – God hears you. When I feel like no one around is understanding what I go through at this time of year. When I work at trying to hide the struggles I have – He is near, He sees me, and He hears the cry of my soul. I visualize myself laying down my burdens at His feet and leaving them there.
3. Accept – the peace that only comes from Jesus Christ. Allow Him to comfort you and acknowledge His protection of your heart and mind.
How do I celebrate Christmas now? I have not brought out the decorations that I had collected when my children were young – there are just too many memories that I still do not want to face. I do put up a tree because it is symbolic of Jesus’ death on the cross (a tree). I place wreaths on my doors and windows because they are symbolic of the ETERNAL nature of God. I use lights because they are symbolic that Jesus came as the Light of the World. Several years ago, I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to add a life-size Nativity to my outdoor decorations. I put out about three or four inside my house, but I wanted to share my love of the Nativity Scene with all that passed my way and hopefully bless their Spirit.
My husband was reluctant to this at first, but now he is willing to spend an entire day helping me accomplish this decorating endeavor. We spent the day on Monday getting it in place. I wanted to do this on Friday, but the snow kept me from getting it done. I enjoyed the snow – it was beautiful, and now I am enjoying my Nativity – it is beautiful.
The message I want to leave with you is that Christmas should always be much greater than the decorating, the activities, the presents, the stuff. Christmas in the Spirit is celebrating our Lord and Savior – JESUS!
Dear Jesus, I know You hold everything together. You are our Sovereign Savior. I praise You and worship You as our King of Heaven and earth. I pray that my time with You would keep my perspective in line with the Word and that I would receive Your peace in my heart. I thank You for always being near and listening to the cries of my soul. I love you, Lord, and I know You have got this. I believe You are my protector and my faithful Helper.
In Jesus’ name,
AMEN
Rebekah Marsh
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#rebekahmarshblogs
Originally posted December 12, 2017, Lean into Jesus Ministries
