Hello Northwood Church!
Christmas is almost here! That means half of you are frantically trying to get everything perfect and the rest of you just realized Christmas is a week away. Either way, holidays are good for us.
Having some time throughout the year to take a break from the regular grind of life is a positive thing. However, holidays can either be a time of recharging and connection or a time of exhaustion and chaos. You actually have more control over that than you think.
For some of you, I want to set you free from the pressure that is put on you to make Christmas the most spectacular extravaganza your family has ever seen. Or maybe you’re feeling pressure to overspend or overextend yourself and others to make memories. You need to know this. If your efforts to create a miraculous Christmas event puts you into crippling debt or creates so much tension that no one enjoys it, it’s simply not worth it. Keep a leash on those things and make sure that you ask this question: What’s this time really about - and how can we have a great Christmas while still loving each other in January?
Here are three simple priorities I believe will help keep Christmas meaningful and enjoyable for everyone.
Spend time with those you love.
Time is the most precious commodity you can give someone. More than an expensive present, your family and friends will remember the time you all spent together. Stay up later than you normally would. Watch that movie together. Build the fire. Have the extra cup of hot chocolate. Enjoy one another.Avoid conflict.
There is a temptation to hash out the issues or bring up that thing that happened last year that you’re still steaming over. DON’T DO IT! Instead of trying to prove a point, or say the thing that you know will create tension, go give them a hug as soon as you see them. I mean a genuine hug with no strings attached. You never know when it’s the last Christmas you’ll have together. Don’t let the last one be consumed with pointless conflict that won’t matter in 5 years.Pray together.
At every Christmas gathering, there’s always an opportunity right before you eat to pray together. Don’t look past this special moment. This is the opportunity that you can take to pray not just over the food, but over your family and those gathered. It’s a moment to bring attention to why we celebrate this time. This is the moment to honor Jesus. DON’T MISS IT! If your family is one that doesn’t follow Jesus, you may step out and be bold and ask to pray. You never know how that moment can impact the lives around you.
We’re praying that this season is full of joy, peace, and meaningful moments for each of you.
From our family to yours,
Merry Christmas!
Jordan, Nadine, Aryana, and Eilyn
