“But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.”
1 Timothy 6 vv. 6-7
While driving through my smalltown last evening, the Holiday lights in every corner of the downtown square, were mesmerizing, coupled with a special form of elegance. White lights, large snowflakes hanging from trees, and lights encircling tree trunks, were all aglow. I must admit, I enjoy the Christmas season so much. However, as I am getting older, I desire a season not so strenuous to mind and spirit. Like the simpler kind from those times so long ago. A time when one gift for each person was more than enough, because time well spent together was appreciated more than tons of brown paper scattered around soon after gift opening sessions.
Although I’ll be traveling for most of December, on my way home last night, several ideas flowed through my mind on how I can build upon what I started many years ago: that of simplifying. I shared with a colleague this week that my Thanksgiving turned out quiet since my daughter and her family spent the day with her in-laws. Having this day for basic chores and crafts was a huge blessing for me. I truly needed the rest! And I suppose this time allowed me to stop, as I carefully began crafting a roadmap on how to navigate this special time of the year. Honestly, I really don’t want to feel as though I’ve ran a marathon when the season is over. For instead, if I truly grasp on to why we celebrate, this time should offer complete refreshment to my heart and mind. Not fatigue, and not regret or anxiety over having spent too much on gifts. Especially since I know sweet and sincere love is enough.
Saint Francis de Sales wrote this:
“Go on in all simplicity. Do not be so anxious to win a quiet mind, and it will be all the quieter. Do not examine so closely into the progress of your soul. Do not crave so much to be perfect, but let your spiritual life be formed by your duties and by the actions which are called forth by circumstances. Do not take over much thought for tomorrow.
God, who has led you safely on so far will lead you onto the end. Be all together at rest in the loving, holy confidence, which you ought to have in his heavenly providence.”
At Christmas time our goal should be that of hope through the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our hearts should be open to new possibilities deeply embedded in His complete love for us. To know and experience His love! His peace! His joy! Everything He’s shown and taught us! To plainly follow His leadings. He came to us for the most perfect reason, to save us from ourselves! To guide us, care for us, and keep us steady, through His inerrant Word. Only Jesus can quiet the stirrings in our hearts. Only He can slow us down. He can, likewise, lead us into calming our calendars and our list of pending events during this season, and beyond.
To offer our hearts a sense of stillness and to avert likely pressures of the season, here are a few suggestions:
- Tone down expectations. My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. (Psalms 62 v.5). Our expectations should only be in the Lord.
- Do not focus on what others expect from you. For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. (2nd Timothy 1 v. 7). We should never think that during this season we are required to do anything. It is quite okay to give from the heart, but not if society compels us to.
- Keep your word. Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give (Proverbs 25 v. 14). We must not overextend our time or abilities to deliver. If something cannot be done, just say so.
- Do not liken who you are to that of others. For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. (Galatians. 1 v. 10). Let’s remember why we celebrate Christmas. Enough said!
- Allow moments to be quiet for the Lord. The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness. He will quiet you with his love. (Zephaniah 3 v. 17). Sincerely put, let’s allow several moments to be quiet in and with the Lord, more than we have offered to Him this year. He desires our company.
Our celebrations of the season can be of great joy and contentment. Of heartwarming moments, when we allow the truth and reason for Jesus’ birth to guide us this Christmas season and throughout the New Year! It is my prayer that this time will be one of beautiful peace and graceful satisfaction for you and yours!
Growing together, inside and out.
Charlotte
Sources:
Saint Francis de Sales (republished in 1994): An Introduction to the Devout Life. Tan Books
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this, Charlotte. I was starting to already feel overwhelmed about Christmas preparations. This reminder of why we celebrate will help me this season.
D
Dana,
I hope your holidays were good to you. Thanks so much for your kindness.
Char