The hustle and bustle of Christmas is upon us all, or should I say, the women? Come on, we all know that the moms and grandmas are the ones planning the Christmas dinner, shopping for the perfect presents, and setting out all the Christmas decorations around the house so beautiful and festive. It’s a stressful time of year, but at the same time an accomplishment. The year is ending and the memories of the life we lived this past year will be reflected upon all our minds. Did I do what I wanted to do this past year?
Did I accomplish in life the goals that I set in January? Who is no longer in my life and who is new in my life? Have I experienced hurt and disappointment in my life this past year and what can I do to change it this new year? No wonder so many women become depressed and over stressed at this time. All the emotional questions and thoughts are running through our minds along with the shopping and cooking and making sure everyone is happy and loved……..except us. What about us? Why do we do God’s work only to a
partial completion? Have you failed to realize that “You” are one of God’s children too, and “You” deserve to be happy and loved? And yes, “You” deserve to enjoy the holidays along with everyone else you’re trying to please.
Many Christians will try to glorify God by portraying the character of giving and love during this time of year.
Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Love never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and
we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:4-13
But we should also remember that in giving to others and showing love, that we must not forget to care for ourselves and take time out to be happy and enjoy the holidays with our families and friends. What good are we if we arrive at the family Christmas party all stressed and depressed, full of worry and exhaustion. There’s no joy in that. Doesn’t sound like you’re loving yourself very much to me.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
God expects us to take care of ourselves during these holiday seasons just as we care for others. Even more so, I would think. For what good can we be to our children and what kind of loving attitude can we show to others if we are down, depressed, exhausted and going crazy?
So go out and enjoy your holidays and New Year with a love for everyone, including “YOURSELF!” You are somebody special, you’re important, you’re valuable, and your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Love others still the same, but glorify God by loving YOURSELF!
Slideshow of Dinner