I struggle with this every year.  There is so much to do in getting ready for Christmas that in all the busyness, I fall prey to forgetting just what the celebration is about.

I do know that in our country we almost worship busyness.  We admire those who seem to be able “to do it all”.  We see mothers who juggle all their kids’ activities while caring for the home and pursuing an occupation and label them as “supermoms”.  Students who run from school to activity every afternoon are seen as “setting their life for future success”. 

But in most cases, we fall into bed every night exhausted without having the quality time for our families, ourselves or especially time with the Lord.

I pray that during this Christmas season we can stop being so “busy” and take time to marvel at this miracle that was the birth of Christ.

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Action Plan

Ask yourself:

Why am I so busy?  Is it to prove something to myself or to others?  To silence something within that I don’t want to acknowledge?

What does God think about my busyness? 

What are some of the consequences of busyness?

When can I take the time to talk to God about how He wants me to spend my time?

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Manna from Heaven

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”   Luke 2:8-10 

Advent Week 3: December 12 – Read Luke 2:8-10

On that first Christmas night, the angels appeared to shepherds on a hill near Bethlehem.  Alfred Edersheim, the great 19^th-century Jewish-Christian scholar, wrote in his book The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah that the shepherds and the sheep to whom the angels appeared near Bethlehem were no ordinary shepherds and sheep.  The sheep were those bound for the temple sacrifices.  The shepherds were outcasts because of their necessary isolation from religious ordinances.  And their manner of life rendered legal observances unlikely, if not absolutely impossible.

How wonderful that in God’s wisdom and love the angels should appear to them – the doomed and the outcast – that night.

Today we can declare to the world that the Good Shepherd cares for all people and wants to give them peace.  Christ came on that first Christmas for one great purpose – to die on the cross for our sins.  Now God offers forgiveness, inner peace, and eternal life to all who will repent and believe in His Son.  This is the Christmas message!

Do you know people who need to hear about God’s love and forgiveness?  Will you share the true Christmas message with them this year?

(From the pamphlet “Arrival – Preparing to Celebrate Christ’s Birth, Advent Meditations” by Billy Graham)

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Emotional Check-Up

Many individuals will struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts during this Christmas season.  Some studies show that there is an increase in emotional / mental health struggles from Thanksgiving to New Years Day.  Author and speaker, Linda Evans Shepherd, understands full-well the added pressures many face this time of year.  She has compiled materials to help others find the hope they need to win over depression. 

You are welcome to download the following materials:  http://www.docstoc.com/docs/64519447/Suicide-Help

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Healthy Fit-Fact 

Try to beat these holiday temptations!  Most of us sabotage our diets even before we sit down to our holiday meals because we nibble on pre-feast snacks.  At the Cornell Food and Brand Lab, they recently asked just over a thousand people about their holiday food choices and found that most ate about 10 percent of their total calories before the meal was even served.  One trick for eating less; limit your pre-meal grazing to nuts or fruits, if offered.  Stay away from the store-bought crackers, cheese and heavy dips.

And before you go to a party, eat a small bowl of cereal or fruit such as a banana.  This way you won’t be “starving” and then eat too much!

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Financially Fit 

This is a new addition to the blog!  Some weeks I will give information or tips on how we can improve our finances.  And in this time of year when we spend so much on gifts and decorating, we need all the help we can get!

Remember to “spend smart”:

1. Try to use coupons, find items on sale or even barter for a better price.

2. Remember that every time you save money, it’s more money in your purse or bank account.

3. Set realistic goals for your money and write them down.  Then follow these goals monthly as the bills that need to be paid, the amount for your tithe, and the amount for saving (short and long term).

4. With these goals written down, you can begin to chart how far you are moving towards your ultimate goal:  either paying off debt or the ability to put money aside.  This will really help you stay motivated to keep on course.

5. Make savings automatic.  The easiest way to save is to do nothing.  Use automatic paycheck contributions to your retirement plan or direct money from your checking to your savings.

6. It’s easy to want everything when you go to the mall!  I do.  So, don’t shop as much.  And again, think “smart”.  If you don’t see it, you won’t want it!  If you have to buy something then make smart purchases.

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NOTE:  Last week I mentioned that I like to start decorating on December 1 so that I can enjoy Thanksgiving more.  However, there are some years when Thanksgiving comes late and there just isn’t enough time to get everything done between December 1 and the 25^th!  So, some years it helps to start Thanksgiving weekend.  I also want to add that some years due to health reasons, an extra work load or company, you just might not want to decorate or do as much as past years.  Please don’t feel guilty.  Christmas is about the Gift God gave to us.  Do what you can and enjoy the simple things!