“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength”
Philippians 4:13 (NLT)
Series: Hope for the Holidays
Do you have a friend who always knows exactly how many days there are until Christmas? I do. Does that make you smile or make you cringe? Maybe both? I absolutely love the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. But as soon as I hear or see that “Christmas Countdown”—I feel a brief rush of adrenaline. This time of year is called the season of peace, hope, joy, and love. Every decoration we hang, every candle we light, and even our coffee mugs resound with these words. I believe we all long for this season to resemble this very thing. We want a home filled with peace, families brimming with joy, an overflow of love shown to others, and most certainly the Hope of Jesus, our Savior.
But, if we are honest, is this always the case? Are you filled with hope? Are you dancing in your home with joy as you bake cookies, clean and prepare your home for the guests who will soon come? Do you feel peace as your schedule fills up with special holiday gatherings? Do you have a heart full of love as we celebrate the coming of the Savior of the world? Oh, how we hope you do. Our prayer this year is that you will experience the beauty of God’s presence in this season like you have never felt it before. And God’s word is where we find how to not only enjoy this time of year, but truly rejoice in all that it brings.
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27 NIV)
In every situation, we have the Light of the world, Jesus, strengthening us. When the expectations of this season start pouring in, Jesus is our peace. His word settles our soul and allows us to be restored. The peace He gives is always with us and withstands any chaos we may be sensing. It is hard to balance all the activities of the season, fulfill the demands we put on ourselves, and accomplish all the tasks that come during the holidays. But if we keep our minds set upon Christ, the worldly pressures will not overcome us. The inner stillness we yearn for comes as we spend a bit of each day sitting in His presence. Set aside time for Him to calm your hurried spirit and quiet your mind. He will prepare your heart for a peaceful occasion.
Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to Him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to Him. (Psalm 95:1-2 NLT)
Jesus is joy. We rejoice in His goodness, faithfulness, and kindness. We sing songs of praise and thanks to Him for all He has done. Did you know that singing lowers stress, relieves tension, and improves your mood? Singing helps strengthen your spiritual connection and helps you feel God’s presence. Ultimately, singing brings us joy in so many ways. In the Christmas movie Elf, we find out that the best way to spread Christmas cheer—is singing loud for all to hear. Can you imagine singing songs of praise to God as you stroll the aisles of your favorite grocery store during your holiday shopping? How amazing that would be!
We love because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19 NIV)
Jesus is love. He provides the words, actions, and mindset for you to shower others with the same affection He extends to you. The tenderness someone feels from you may be the only experience of Jesus they receive this year. In the hurried moments of this season, we often forget that not everyone is looking forward to the holidays. Some of our friends are experiencing their first holiday without a loved one. Some may have experienced a divorce, a job loss, or some other hardship. Loving others as Jesus did might seem difficult, but He never made it complicated. Watch for those who are hurting, listen to their stories, offer a word of encouragement, understanding, or support. Invite them to receive the grace, mercy, and incredible love of Jesus if they don’t know Him. Remembering what Jesus has done for you will strengthen you in this situation.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13 NIV)
Jesus is our Hope. Hope is an expectation and anticipation of what we believe. This is so vitally important to understand as we enter this season. As a child of God, your Hope is not a theory or a philosophy. It is a person and His name is Jesus. Pauls tells us that Hope is a reality rooted in Christ, not something we have to work up in our own strength. As we anchor ourselves to Christ, we can have a holiday season overflowing with peace, joy, love, and hope that will reach far beyond our homes and families.
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. (Hebrews 6:19a NIV)
Holding Fast to Hope,
Jen
Scripture References: Philippians 4:13; John 14:27; Psalm 95:1-2; 1 John 4:19; Romans 15:13; Hebrews 6:19a