Our Christmas was filled with family, friends, gifts, food, a great sermon at church and good holiday music. Yet I am glad the language of Christmas is over. I said Merry Christmas a lot more then I talked about Jesus. I thought more about what to buy for others then I thought about Jesus. I got caught up in the holiday spirit more then I was filled with His Spirit. Truthfully I am just glad to have Christmas behind me so I can get back to worshipping Jesus.
Any thoughts on your Christmas?
Any thoughts on your Christmas?
I think we all tend, no matter how hard we try, to get caught up in "the other spirit" so to speak. I did. We traveled to Ohio to visit our daughter's family, stayed in a hotel, laughed a lot, ate way too much, and shared gifts with each other. We traveled more than I want to in just a couple of days but it is what it is. i didn't have much private time or quiet time. Not in a hotel room with a 7 year old. So I went with the flow. i went to the fitness center for some "me" time and just rode the bike for an hour. I have no regrets. I figure it doesn't hurt me to let loose for awhile. Now it is back to "normal" (whatever that is). I'm glad your heart is sensitive to God's Spirit Betty.
ReplyDeleteNo regrets either Bill...thankful for all we had. I am glad we were able to build some memories with our grandchildren. Thanks brother for your wise perspective.
ReplyDeleteIt is a taxing season. For me I try to make the gifts and things done for others all about living in a more sacrificial way. I hope to carry that attitude of doing for others into the rest of the year this next one.
ReplyDeleteWhen folks would say to me, "Happy Holidays," I tell them, "Merry CHRISTmas!"
I would say after reading your post you did just that...lived sacrificial during the holidays. One of the things that taxed me this year was seeing the struggle a divorce has on even little kids. Austin is almost three and his heart was broken because Daddy was not going to be at Mommy house to open his present that Mommy picked out for him from the kids. He and Emarie who is five had been keeping a secret for a week about what they bought. He got to see his Dad open it Christmas Eve which was Jared day to have them this year. Our son has grown a lot through all this and he told me my tears was from my tender heart. Last Christmas he would have been mad at me for being in tears over the kids. Man on man this has been a deep soul searching year. You comment helped a lot...it's not about me...it's about Him and am I being like Him in difficult times? I think I got lost in my grief again...thanks God for new mercies every morning. And thanks brother for the "others" perspective. I" think that is my word for 2014, "perspective". so I will be back to gleam some more wisdom from and a few other.
ReplyDeleteI for one am glad this Christmas is over. It was a stressful time here at our place. Things are pretty much back to normal, and we look forward to a Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear someone else feels the same way Hazel about Christmas being over. I have a feeling Mary was glad to get out of that stable too and back to a "normal life". Riding a donkey must have been very painful. Loved your post.
ReplyDeleteIn Ukraine we celebrate Christmas on January 7th which is nice because there is not really any commercial involvement and it makes it easier to focus on Jesus.
ReplyDeleteWondered Caleb how you all were doing with all the "stuff" to deal with during Christmas. I am sure your stateside family is glad you have you home, especially for Christmas. It was easier to focus on Jesus to in Papua New Guinea. I am really grateful for the church we attend, the pastor message was just what I needed to hear. God bless you brother.
ReplyDeleteDear Betty
ReplyDeleteThank you for being so brave to give voice to words that have been hiding in my heart for many years. This year I received so much grace that I succeeded in not "buying" a single gift. With a family of about 35 immediate family members it can become quite expensive.
Blessings XX
Mia
Dear Mia...I hope you are feeling better. It seems the older we get the more of the "trappings" we drop during the Christmas. Just knowing there are missionaries that will have to come home because their support has dropped put a stop to some of my buying. it's good to know how to abound and how to do without, both are from the Lord. I am sure you have found others ways to bless people at Christmas. Your writing is so good, have missed your post. Blessings my sister.
ReplyDeleteChristmas can be very stressful for me because, sad to say, I am also caught up in the commercialism of it. Every Christmas is a searxh for the perfect gift for the one who has everything. It reminds me of what can we possibly give to Jesus, who has it all?
ReplyDeleteJesus does have everything Ed but He wants us to give all of us to Him. He never, never, never says the gift of you is not good enough...He is always delighted when we give of ourselves to others. Thanks for commenting.
ReplyDelete"Iron sharpens iron, sister. I've been blessed to have been sharpened by your wisdom and I look forward to it this next year. I'm praying for you and your family, we see He is answering our prayers in His perfect way and will. God bless, Betty.
ReplyDeleteThanks Floyd...you always challenge me to walk a little closer to Him.
ReplyDelete