Back on November 28, we asked a question in our poll for the day. The question was - What one area of Christmas did you have the most trouble with in 2006? Of the 88 people who responded, 22 said that the hectic schedule was the biggest headache. In response to that we submit the following article from Newsweek. Link
When it comes down to it these tips can help, but only Jesus who came as the Prince of Peace can tame the chaos of life at this time of year. Our prayer for you is that you would know Peace this Christmas.
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When it comes to Christmas planning, I do most of my shopping after Christmas, in the new year when there are alot of bargains and no crowds. New Year’s Day is a great day to shop because there is no traffic or people around and all the sales clerks want to help you! I plan ahead, and if I don’t know what to get someone on my list, I will check sales and have my shopping done by the middle of November so I am not in the Christmas shopping frenzy.
For those of you, who deal with depression and stress this time of year, I just want to encourage you. Yes, Christians can get depressed, too. This time of year, many remember the loss of loved ones, have debt or other struggles. I want you to know that God knows everything that is going on in your life and He loves you very much.
About three years ago, I went through a time where it seemed that God was very far away and He was not answering my prayers. I got depressed and wondered why God was ignoring me. It felt like He was. I talked to a friend on the phone, and she asked me if there was anyone, who I had not forgiven. I didn’t think so, but after praying about it, God gave me the name of someone I knew. I thought I had gotten past the unforgiveness I had towards that person, but God showed me that I had not. I was able to pray, forgive that person and ask God to bless her. Then when I saw her, I would hug her, love on her and ask God to continue to bless her. It took awhile, but the root of unforgiveness was yanked out of my heart, and the other person softened towards me, too, and we became good friends.
Matthew 6:12-15 makes it clear that we are to forgive others. This is part of the Lord’s Prayer:
12″Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.[a]’ 14For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
If we have unforgiveness in our hearts, God will not forgive us, and He might not even listen to our prayers. Wow! That’s a serious thing! Forgiveness is a process, but it’s necessary so that we can stay in alignment with God and His will for us. Now when I am offended by someone, I am quick to forgive. I don’t want that root of bitterness and unforgiveness to even have a chance to get planted in my heart.
God’s Word also tells us to love our enemies and pray for those, who persecute us. Love conquers all, and prayer changes everything!
God bless you this Christmas season!