Yes, it's tempting to lose heart whilst our adversary, the devil (or grinch) is busy at work doing all he can to take our focus away from being a blessing and 'showing off' our Saviour during this special season..
The bible says the enemy comes only to 'steal, kill and destroy' (John 10 v 10) - in this case, 'our Christmas' so we must be vigilant to guard against cynicism and any bad attitude at all costs which will rob our focus away from Jesus, and if we're not careful, we may start entertaining thoughts like;
'..Well, Christmas Day isn't really that day...and Christmas trees are just pagan..and it's all about money, anyway..'
If that's you...catch yourself, then start thinking instead how you can help someone, reaching out with the love of Jesus...whether that's a generous tip at the restaurant...a smile, or a hug..prayer for healing...food for the homeless...even an unexpected gift for someone..whatever!If our thoughts are taken up in this way, there'll be no room in our mind for anything else!
I remember once, moving home a few days before Christmas, and was just expecting to be on my own on the day..
However, the Lord had other plans!
Through a seemingly random set of circumstances (in a completely new area where I knew no one) I found myself on Christmas Day along with other Christians, serving and having dinner with some elderly folks in the town. It was completely unexpected, but such a blessing!
If you are about to face Christmas without a loved one this year..that is not easy.
Lean yourself heavily on the Lord, allowing Him to carry you through, as only He can do, obeying His Voice in however He leads..
Be encouraged! Whatever our situation, the Good News is, God has a good Christmas in store for each one of us! All we have to do is to trust Him! Does it look like it's going to be lonely? Well, 'cast the care' (according to 1Peter 5 v 7) believing He already has something planned, because He does! Meanwhile, 'stay in the rest of God.' (Hebrews chap 4)
Are you going into overload? Be easy on yourself and lean on His Grace..
"..My grace is sufficient for you..for My strength is made perfect in your weakness.."
2Cor 12 v9
Whatever the problem there's a good path all the way through. Praying in tongues not only keeps us strong on the inside, but also allows the Lord to prepare a good path ahead of time so we can walk through with ease..
So just pray and obey...expect and believe!
Then do whatever He says..
One final word the Lord prompted me to add;
We need to be aware that Christmas is always a time of heightened of warfare, being a great opportunity for evangelism, and so the enemy is working overtime to keep Jesus under wraps every way he can..
Yes, there is much to do in the way of preparation for the day, but 'first things first'. We must make sure we're spending quality time 'refuelling' in the word of God and prayer to keep up our levels of faith and ensure we go through the season with a good attitude!
"..Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God.."
Carry the light-giving Message into the night.."
Phil 2 v 14 (Message)
"..Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to the household of faith.."
Gal 6 v 10
"..For unto us a Child is born..
To us a Son is given..
And the government shall be upon His shoulders..
And He will be called;
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace..
And of the increase of His government and peace,
There shall be no end.."
Isaiah 9 v 6 - 7
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