Home For The Holidays: Remembering The Reason For The Season
This Christmas we want all that we do to point to the reason for the season, Jesus. It's all too easy to get caught up in the shopping, parties and holiday traditions and to completely miss the big picture. While there's nothing wrong with the Jingle Bell Rock or Home Alone or Santa Clause (we're big fans of all of these things!) they can distract us from the point. The point is Jesus. Celebrating the greatest gift we've ever been given looks a little different.
Below are a just few ways to prepare your heart and shift your mindset during the holidays!
SERVE & GIVE
Serving our community and giving back is the very best way to take part in what Christmas is all about. We can tangibly meet the needs of others by financially supporting ministries like Three Angels, shopping Compassion International’s Gift Catalog to buy necessary items for children who are living in poverty and by giving our time volunteering in the local community. The Fernandina chapter of the Salvation Army invites locals to adopt a Christmas Angel, shopping for an elderly neighbor right here in our city to fulfill their holiday wishlist.
A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great. Proverbs 18:16
SLOW DOWN
Clear your calendar and say "no" to overdoing it this year. Rest, slow down and make time to sit in the presence of the Lord. Force yourself to be still. Create space to sit at the feet of Jesus and allow your heart to be transformed. This is easier said than done, but a task worthy of our efforts.
“The magic of Christmas is not in the presents, but in His presence.” – Unknown
TAKE PART IN ADVENT
The four weeks leading up to Christmas are intended to be a time of waiting in expectation. We ready our hearts for the entrance of Christ. Some choose to walk through advent bible studies, others turn to advent calendars. Whichever way you choose to partake in advent, remembering what it represents is the game-changer. Prepare your heart with purpose and intentionality for the anticipated birth of the Prince of Peace!
“For this is how God loved the world: he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” – John 3:16