It's That Time Again

For unto us a Child is born,Unto us a Son is given;And the government will be upon His shoulder.And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Every year about this time it is hard for me to believe Christmas is upon us. Where did the year go? In the rush that the world seems to give this season, it is not necessary to fall into the secular trap of being stressed out. 

This year why not choose to do things differently? Don't make this a season of obligations and stress but of joy and remembering why we have Christmas to begin with. It is celebrating the birth of our savior Jesus Christ. The world was forever changed. 

Try to do more for others. Angel tree, Operation Christmas Child, adopt a family, and many other avenues of giving to others exist. The familiar Salvation Army bell ringers and red kettle appear after Thanksgiving so try to be generous. If you have children or grandchildren use this opportunity to not spoil them with material possessions but to talk about a babe in a manger. Don't dread this special time of year but embrace it as a time to celebrate the birth of the king of Kings and Lord of Lords. 

PRAYER: O Holy Night a star was brightly shining. Oh Jesus I am forever grateful for your birth and how you set us free from sin and death. I praise your name not just in December but year round. In Jesus' name. Amen

There Is Still Time Before The Holidays

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34

Oh no, it's only May, yet I recently saw an article about remodeling before Christmas. It gets earlier every year and can create great stress and expectations. Here it is not even half way to December 25, yet we are made to feel we better hurry up, like now, or else.

Why not just enjoy life and not get all caught up in making things perfect? That is unless you are throwing a party for the Queen of England or something. There is nothing wrong with planning home improvements, but this ad struck me as funny in that it was specifically for the 'holidays'  known to most as 'Christmas'. So please relax and do not stress right now about decorating and shopping and such.

 Each and every day of your life, wake up and thank God for giving you breath. Then make an effort to go into your day being kind and peaceful. This may be difficult for those of you in the business world but at least give it a try. When your are tempted to put others down or speak ugly, stop. You get the idea. Don't worry about Christmas, just take care of today.

PRAYER: I thank you for another day of life. Things may not always be perfect but I rejoice and know you love me Lord. When I am tempted to complain help me stop instead and give praise for something. In Jesus' name. Amen.