Excitement: My son is full of it. He is already sleeping next to the Christmas tree just in case when he awakes there will be a new gift under it. I cannot but be excited with him because some days the new present has my name on it.
Anticipation: oh yes very much so, because I cannot wait until to see the expression on my wife’s face when opens the perfect gifts I got her this year. I just know I nailed it this year, because I have tried to listen to her very obvious hints.
Joy: There is no greater joy in life then to make other people happy, especially those that you love.
Thankfulness: Oh my yes, I am so thankful that I live in a country where I can celebrate the birth of my savior without fear of death, I am thankful I have my healthy family close to me, I am thankful I have a warm bed tonight, I am thankful I have food in my home, I am thankful that the LORD is my God. I see all that is the world today and I thank God He has blessed me one more year.
Stress: The shopping, the traveling, the spending, the knowledge of future bills, the cookies, pies, and dinner, the grumpy relative that gets on your nerves, the teenager who hates all your gifts and thinks all this lame and would rather be with their friends, batteries not included, some assembly required really! how about all assembly required, oh no, we forgot to get___ a gift, you know the stress.
Sadness/Tears/Depression: I have those that I love very much that do not want to be with me for Christmas. The pain is there weather I allow others to see it or not. The tears are there just know one sees them. I never could understand why people use Christmas as a time to prove how upset they are with you. You be strong for those that are with you, you smile and enjoy their company, but there is some little thing (cannot think of a better word) that just will not allow your heart to be full. Someone is missing and Christmas is just not the same.
Luke chapter 2 the Angels tell the shepherds that birth of Jesus was to bring great joy to all people and they were right. Because God has come in the flesh and as my substitute died for my sins, I will not have to ever face the flames of hell, there is no greater joy. And to know that those that I love here on this earth have the same joy brings peace to my heart. And not matter how sad I feel I can always remind myself that someday in heaven none of things will really matter to me. In the end what matters is did I Love God and did I love people. Not did they love me, but did I give them a chance to love God. This season reminds of the three most important relationships in our lives:
Family: No matter what has been said or done, try your best to stay close to your family, you will always need your family. Love them in spite of who or what they are. Reach out to them. Serve them. Humble yourself this Christmas and be a servant to your family.
Your church family: Christians need each other, in good time and bad times your church family is there for you. If you are not a member and active in a church you are missing out in the blessing of having a church family. Your life is meant to be shared, share it. Serve Them. Humble yourself this Christmas and be a servant to your church, your pastor, and those in your church.
God: Above all relationships keep your relationship with God strong. Talk with Him, Read His Word, Confess your faults and fears to Him. Your strength to love others is dependent upon your love for God. Serve Him. Humble yourself this Christmas and be a servant of God.
If you become a servant to these three relationships, then all the other emotions will not control you, except for joy. For there is no great joy then to serve God by serving others. Try it and see if it does not work, I promise it will. Nothing gets you through the holidays better than to realize it is not about you.