As we come to the end of the year, many struggle with Christmas and New Year’s.
If you are one of these people, I understand. The Christmas and New Year’s holidays are difficult for me as well.
I found these 3 resources helpful and wanted to share them with you.
Resource #1: Scripture
The true meaning of Christmas is not the food, family, or fun we share. The true meaning is to take time to remember that Jesus Christ came to save all of us, me included, from the bondage of sin.
In the Gospel of Luke (ESV), chapter 2 (selected verses) we read:
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world…So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
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 that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
…So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Philippians 2:5a-8
“have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
God loves us ALL. My prayer for each of you is that you KNOW Jesus as your Lord and Savior and that you find peace in His loving arms.
Resource #2: Songs
I was creating a playlist on YouTube for December. I filled it with songs like “Mary Did You Know?” and one of the suggested videos was “The Sweetest Gift” by Craig Aven.
I challenge you to watch this and NOT tear up. As someone that has lost a loved one around this time of year, my grandmother. She died January 12, 1989 after being in the hospital.
We all new that 1988’s Christmas was going to be her last. She gifted us all the photo albums she had created for us during our life time.
I found great comfort in this song and believe you can too.
Resource #3: Study
If you are one that makes New Year’s resolutions, I have one for you.
If your resolution is to read your Bible and pray each day — and you are a Star Wars fan–, check out “The Christian Jedi: A Daily Devotional”.
I wrote the devotional to help people who love Jesus and Star Wars to be able to share their faith by using scenes or quotes from the series. The devotional is like “Our Daily Bread” but with Star Wars quotes.
