The month of December can be a month of endless busyness and stress-filled days cloaked in financial worry regarding family and gift-giving. My family is particularly busy during the month as two of my three children and my only grandchild all celebrate birthdays just days apart shortly before Christmas. This year my oldest daughter will graduate from college a week before the holiday. Yikes … so many financial commitments!
As joyous as the Christmas season is supposed to be, it can bring with it an overload of anxiety, worry and stress. Going to the mall or battling crowds and parking snafus; dealing with family dysfunction or long return lines have a way of sucking all the joy out of the birth of the blessed Savior.
My recipe for maintaining a positive attitude regarding every detail of Christmas chaos is to fully maximize God’s exchange and return policies.
When I’m feeling burdened about entertaining a multitude of friends and family during the season, I simply exchange my worry for the Lord’s restorative power as stated in 1 Peter 5:7, 10: Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.
When I’m anxious about being with difficult family members that I only see once a year, I gladly return the anxiousness the enemy wants to give me in exchange for God’s peace as stated in Philippians 4:6-7: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
When I am completely worn down from all of the baking, cooking, cleaning and decorating, I am happy to give God my weariness in exchange for His peace that is promised in Psalm 29:11: The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.
When I am fearful that my checking account will be depleted before my gift list is completed, I give God my fears and trust Him for the promise of His provision as found in Genesis 50:21: “So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.”
My Christmas wish this year is that everyone everywhere will rejoice in the real reason for the season and take advantage of the Lord’s magnificent exchange policy. Give all your worries, stress and anxiety to the Lord in return for the peace that passes all understanding.
Christmas blessings to all!
Kathy K.
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. John 14:1
Best! Policy! Ever!