Learning and Loving and Living At Christmas

Next week is Christmas! There is so much left to do. By now, homeschooling is finished until after New Years Day except for that child that is "catching up" on math or some other subject because they are so behind! But is school ever over? What things does God have to teach us and our precious children this holiday season. Gather around, my dears, and let me share some Christmas lessons. 

There's not always time to do everything we want to do!

So many Christmas dreams beat in our heart! If you are like me, you want to be the "perfect mom" doing all the perfect Christmas things and making our family enjoy the best of everything Christmas has to offer. There is simply not enough time to do it all.  As God to show you what beats in HIS heart and to order your schedule. No one will be heartbroken if you do not make Aunt Edna's Cole Slaw on Christmas Eve, but maybe the homemade eggnog is just too yummy to not make. Try simplifying recipes and traditions so that preparation time is shorter and family togetherness time is longer.

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps," (Proverbs 16:3).

God often supersedes our plans for better plans!

We made our plans, tie them snugly to our heart, and put our whole heart into bringing them to pass. When inconveniences or surprises happen, they catch us off-guard, making us hurt or angry. But, God is on the throne of your life! Only what He allows to happen, happens. Even if it is an attack of the enemy, it has to get through God's protective hands, so relax when your plans change. I hate this as much (maybe more!) than you! But I know in my heart of hearts that when God disrupts my plans, He is often testing my heart. Will I respond with a submissive, obedient heart or will I fail the test. Make plans, work to bring them to pass, but, ultimately, leave the results to God. He is good at running your life!

Christmas is all about worship!

When you think about the Christmas story, it always brings us to the act of worship. The Shepherds came to see the baby Jesus because worshiping angels announced His birth! The Wise Men followed the star to bring gifts to the baby Jesus (worship!). When Mary was informed by the angel that she would give birth to the Messiah, she worshiped, writing a lovely song that songwriters for centuries have adapted in one way or another. When Elizabeth saw Mary (with Jesus in her womb!), the baby in her own womb (John the Baptist) lept for joy (worship)!  Anna and Simeon waited at the temple to see the baby and when they did, the worshiped God. Every part of the Christmas story leads to worship!

Christmas is the season to worship at church!

Every believer is called to be planted in a local church! That includes you...and your family! Christmas is the season to be planted in a local church. If you don't have one, choose one to attend through the holidays and maybe you will end up staying come the New Year! Worship at church with other believers who love the Messiah. This is our great joy and privilege as believers. Don't miss out on this joy because of a stubborn and rebellious heart. Link arms with Christians to celebrate the season of joy!

Worship can happen in your home too!

We can sing together as a family each night during the Christmas season. Christmas devotions open our hearts up to the Lord so that we can draw closer to Him during the month of December. Playing Christmas CDs from Handel's Messiah to a contemporary Christian Christmas worship CD can all help us to worship throughout the day. (I recommend Hillsong's Christmas CDs, Chris Tomlin's new Christmas CD, Glory in the Highest, and Casting Crowns Peace on Earth CD.) Acts of charity and kindness help us to remember our dear Savior who was always benevolent. Walking in his footsteps as a family by reaching out to the lost, lonely, and poor is another way to worship our God!

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing, and perfect will," (Romans 12:1-2 NIV).

So much to learn about worshiping Jesus, but really it all comes down to loving Him and living for Him! This holy day season may you see a magnified picture of Jesus and enjoy a bigger view of His majesty so that you can worship Him in spirit and in truth! May you have a very Merry Christmas!