The excitement and activity of Christmas beckon to me, maybe, even more than usual, this year. I have a list a mile long of things that I need to do. Perhaps you do as well. But this year I’m going to approach Christmas with joyful anticipation instead of anxiety.
Photo: Preslie Hirsch on Unsplash
In this time of with many unknowns, and change, I have looked for stability.
Have you been searching too?
God’s love has provided security for me, so much so, I am filled with a desire to know more.
His love does not change because He doesn’t change.
And that gives me the anchor, the grounding, that helps me weather the waves of uncertainty.
I believe it will help me as I approach the uncertainty of how our Christmas season will look this year.
Over the years, we have simplified how we celebrate Christmas.
And yet, every year, deep inside, I still wonder if this is the year that I will have the perfect Christmas celebration.
Maybe you know what I mean: the perfect decorations, snacks, food, and all the Christmas cards sent out early.
This year, with our family likely not traveling to us, I am tempted to add shipping an assortment of things to “make-up” for our lack of in-person time.
But really, the root of all these concerns is a desire to prove myself.
Where to Start to Approach Christmas with Joy
But God’s love is showered over me, not because of what I do. This verse explains more:
” When the extraordinary compassion of God our Savior
and his overpowering love suddenly appeared in person,
as the brightness of a dawning day,
5 he came to save us.
Not because of any virtuous deed that we have done
but only because of his extravagant mercy.”
Titus 3:4-5 (TPT)
He loves us and saved us, not because of what I good I have done because of His extravagant mercy, given in His “overpowering love”.
I don’t have to prove myself by my Christmas preparations – at all.
Photo: Aaron Burden on Unsplash
But this verse makes me desire to know Jesus, and His love, even more, this year.
I feel a renewed desire to praise and celebrate Him.
So, this year, before I launch into Christmas celebrations, I am going to reflect more deeply on the love of God.
I’m going to approach Christmas with joyful anticipation instead of anxiety.
The anticipation that is for the celebration that began the path for us to enter into God’s love forever.
I think this year, I will be more joy-filled than ever at Christmas.
I’m going to be sharing with you what I find on Facebook and here. I would love you to join me.
(You can read more about the grace and mercy of Christmas here: https://cathydonald.com/thankful-for-grace/)