If You Only Do Two Things for Christmas…Pick These

There is a problem when my eighteen-year-old son has the cleanest room in the house. I’m not saying that because he’s a neat freak. I’m saying it because the rest of the house is a mess!

Even though I don’t forecast any snow storms here in Little Rock, the “to-dos and want-to-dos” have hit my home with blasts and dumps. The dining room table is stacked with presents that need to be wrapped and mailed to distant family members. The breakfast nook table is stacked with Christmas cards (because I’m sure my friends will not feel loved unless I send them my sentiments in a ninety-nine-cent greeting).

 

Whew. It’s barely December, and I’m ready to give myself a time out. Seriously. If there was a Naughty and Nice list, I’m finding myself trying too hard to be nice—to the determent of what this season is supposed to be about.

 

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders.

And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

During these frantic holiday days I’ve already forgotten that the whole thing is supposed to be about the Prince of Peace. That title holds a lot of meaning.

           

Prince:

Jesus came and told his disciples,“I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth,”

Matthew 28:18

            We’ve given Jesus authority over our souls and our homes, but have we given Him authority over our Christmas? (I know, I had to pause and really think about that one.)

            Peace:

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

Isaiah 26:3.

 

            When our minds are filled with all the tasks of Christmas, peace comes when we focus on the Prince of Christmas.

            There is no doubt that you’re going to read many great blogs this season on how to do Christmas better, but I’ll leave you with only these two suggestions:

1. Give Jesus authority over your Christmas.

1. Fix your mind on Him.

If we get nothing else done, we’ll find success in these!

P.S. And feel free to give yourself a timeout! Your Christmas will survive, I promise!

Blessings,

Tricia Goyer