Whose Party is it Really?

Holiday seasons bring many parties, lots of food and gifts.  Anxieties arise when mentioning all this hustle and bustle.  Not to mention the fact of the struggles many have with all that food around, lacking money to buy as good of gift as you will receive and facing the relative who hurt you so deeply. 

How can we enjoy this season and not endure the season?

"This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 1:18)

“Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.” (Mark 9:50)

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.   For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you." (Romans 12:2-3)

Remember the reason.  Spread the Good News to all you meet.  Humble yourselves and release the bitterness you hold against another.  Relax and enjoy the company and the love which fills the room of the party you attend.  Do not focus on the foods or gifts, but on the presence of God's children.  Shine His light in the room.  Eliminate the darkness.  Some families celebrate differently this year due to divorce, loss of loved one, illness or a deployed soldier.  It will be tough with such a change, but remain focused on God and cling to Him for peace and comfort. 

 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7) 

I read a church sign once that said, "How would you feel if we celebrated your birthday without you this year?"  Makes you really think about the focus of your family's party this time of year, huh?  It is not who buys the better gift, has the best job this year, made the best food or who hurt you and how to get them back.  The celebration is not about a buffet of goodies, stockings filled to the brim, candy canes, decorated trees, an old fella dressed in a red suit or a mistletoe hung in the doorway.  It is not even about those little snack cakes shaped like trees that are like the best food ever created!  The season is all about that one decoration which sometimes gets lost in all the lights; The Nativity Scene!  A young woman filled with the Holy Spirit became pregnant with the Messiah.  He was born to save, teach, heal, lead, love, set the example and fulfills His Father's purpose.

As we celebrate this year, let us remember His example.  Eliminate bitterness, jealousy, bondage and anxiety from the gatherings.  Bring the light of Jesus and invite Him to His own birthday party!

God, thank you for another day of life.  Bring peace to our lives this busy time of year.  Keep our focus on You and Your Son.  Thank You for His birth.  Join us as we remember and celebrate His life.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig