Christmas is in the Air

It’s that time of year again. Festivities, family, and celebrations await you throughout the month and in through the New Year. Personally, I love Christmas. I love the cookie trays, Christmas light parades, peppermint hot cocoa and potluck parties. I have the fondest memories of waking up early Christmas morning to dive into the presents with my mom and brothers hoping I got that one special gift on my Christmas list to Santa. I’m sure, if I asked you to close your eyes and think for a moment, you could think of one particular Christmas that is your most cherished memory. It could be you received that ONE gift you wanted more than anything in the world. You may even have smells and vivid colors come to your mind. Christmas as a child can be so enchanting.

Christmas as an adult, however, brings about many challenges. As adults, we can easily get caught up in attending every tantalizing event, and end up miserable because all we did was fly through the season. We end up regretting the endless obligations that we committed to. We can even swing to the other side of that pendulum and say we aren’t going to do anything for Christmas because we are boycotting the mainstream capitalism that multi-billion-dollar companies profit from. Many Christians can’t find the balance and are miserable during this season of hope because they are wallowing in doubt.

I believe we should celebrate Christmas in a way that we personally feel peace and love. It may be decorating your Christmas trees while watching old black-and-white movies, or you may like going caroling with a group of friends. Your family may have traditions set aside that are the heartbeat of your Christmas joy, and your family may have different things that make this season special to each of them. Have you ever asked them, “If we do one thing this Christmas, what would it be?” You may be surprised. My point is this: whatever you do, whether it is a lot or a little this Christmas season, do it all in the joy of the Lord. I hope it all brings you to the memory of the Savior.

Author: Amanda

Amanda works at VCNP in the Vineyard Kids Kids Check. She and her husband, Mark, homeschool their two children. She loves to entertain, cook, bake and read when she's not outdoors hiking mountains or shooting firearms in the desert with her family. She is an avid follower of Christ and loves to worship and dig through scriptures. She can be found most any weekend in the Children's ministry building. View all posts by Amanda