I put on my raincoat and went for a walk in the rain (again). Those kinds of walks are pretty frequent here in the Pacific Northwest. I needed to get out of the house, away from the noise of just everyday life.

My phone died right away, which forced me to walk with my own thoughts instead of my music. It’s a good thing. Turning off the noise gives God time to stir my thoughts.

I began to wonder what we as Christians end up celebrating during this season. Are we truly celebrating Christmas for what it is, or have we become like the world trying to outdo each other with the best card, lights on our houses and gifts under the tree. What are we celebrating?

Giving or Receiving? This time of year we are so busy. I made a deliberate effort a couple of months ago to commit to at least a couple of serving opportunities. There are so many. In some seasons of life, it’s all we can do to just make it through our day—homeschooling (if God has chosen that path for us), meals, laundry, disciplining the kids, shopping, more discipline….you get my point. Then add Christmas on to that, and it can be a recipe for much stress for a busy mom or any busy person!

Our family participated in collecting toiletries and other needed items for the homeless. Our children’s minister did an excellent job of motivating the kids. We then had a pizza and packing party. We assembled hundreds of bags of essentials for our homeless ministry to hand out. My kids even spent their own money donating items. Another opportunity we have as a family is to visit an adult family home. We will deliver cards we have made and goodies.

I’m not saying a person has to do these kinds of things to give. There are many ways to use our time, talent, and touch to minister to others. The point is, Christ gave us the ultimate gift of his life so that we may have eternal life. No gift under the tree will replace that.

Giving is fun. I love giving gifts to my children, hoping that I have really tuned in to their needs and wants. We should love to give and receive! It’s a balance.

Gluttony or moderation? How much time have we spent thinking about the gifts we hope that someone will buy for us? Do we spend too much time making our lists and checking it twice? I think it’s OK to desire worldly goods. I mean, heck, there’s a lot of cool gadgets, clothes, gear for hobbies and yummy food! However, if this becomes something we indulge in too much, it can become a habit of sin. I’m guilty! You? Let’s try and live in moderation this season. Enjoying the world, but not over-indulging.

Peace or chaos? For me, this is probably my biggest struggle. I will be honest. I have not spent a lot of time just basking in the truth of what God did for us when he sent his son, Jesus, to live as fully human, yet fully God. Pretty amazing. I have spent way more time scrolling down web sites, groaning when something is sold out, fussing at my computer for being slow, running here and there to pick up last minute things, and stressing about what food we will have for Christmas Eve! Uh, so not God’s plan for us as believers this time of year. Yet, we all seem to fall into the chaos in some way or another. With God’s help, I hope to live in a more peaceful state the rest of this season. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27. Let’s claim this gift of Peace so freely given.

Merry Christmas, Friends!

Peace and Love,

Sonya