.
SPEAK IT FORTH!
.
Pastor Howie Stewart, Oklahoma
Happy Holidays?
Once again we are entering that time
of year. It hardly seems possible. Wasn’t it just a few weeks ago that the kids
started back to school? Well, ready or not,
here come the holidays!
Why are the holidays so stressful for
so many? Isn’t it a time for rejoicing,
for family gatherings, and for a welcome break from the demands of daily
living? After all, look at what our
holiday season is based on: the giving
of thanks, the coming of Christ, and the idea of peace and goodwill among
men. Surely this should be the highlight
of the year.
But many simply endure the holiday
season, going through the motions, doing what is expected, and breathe a sigh
of relief on the 2nd of January.
Granted, this time of year can be stressful, so what is the point?
One problem may be the fact that many
have unrealistic expectations. Some
people have a “Currier and Ives” idea
of what the season is to be like. They
hearken back to a simpler time, a time when things seemed better for them. And upon comparison with their present
reality, frankly they are disillusioned.
Another issue is that the holidays
typically bring families together. That
should be a good thing, right? But with
so many fractured families these days, the gatherings often serve to highlight
differences and disputes, hurts and hard feelings. The time for some only serves to reopen old
wounds and reminds them of why they stay away the rest of the year.
For others, it may simply be a
financial stress. Let’s face it;
holidays can be expensive, especially when some measure their success by the
quantity of food on the table or the number and cost of the gifts under the
tree. The statement “I want to have a good
Christmas this year!” often translates “I
want to spend a lot of money on gifts.” Hence
the mad dash to the mall on the morning after Thanksgiving and, for too many,
the plastic hangover when the bills start arriving about the second week of
January.
So what’s the answer? One factor is contentment. Be content with what you have. You might not be able to have a Currier and Ives experience. The apostle Paul wrote from a jail cell: “I have
learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” (Philippians 4:11).
Another factor is to experience the
fullness of God’s presence and blessing during each season of the year. That way, when the hubbub of the season hits
you (and it most likely will), you can still have a song in your heart and the
joy of the Lord as your strength.
And finally, be right with God and
with others. Again from prison, Paul
wrote these words: “Be kind and tenderhearted, forgiving one another, remembering the way
that Jesus has forgiven you.” (Ephesians
4:32).
Have a blessed holiday season!
Howie
