Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25, 2024

“Merry Christmas Miracle”

Merry Christmas!  We’ve made it, and for some of us, that’s quite an accomplishment.  We may not look like winners today, but no matter.  It’s not about finishing first.  It’s about the struggle, right?

Those famous words from the creator of the modern Olympic games are important to remember.  St. Paul and other Biblical writers say the same sort of thing, that winning is not coming in first.  Instead, winning is making it to the finish line, no matter how long it takes us.

The arrival of Christmas represents the arrival of God’s presence in the world.  God saw that our greatest need was His presence among us in this difficult and challenging world.  Jesus was born into a chaotic, war-torn, and impoverished world.  That hasn’t changed much, has it?  It’s still just as difficult and complicated, so our need for God’s presence is needed as much today as it was 2,000 years ago.

That’s one reason why Christmas is so special.  It’s a gift that continues to arrive each year, and sometimes (like this year), the gift of Christmas means so much more.  The challenges we’ve faced and overcome, the demons that still haunt us, and the pains that hinder us are not strong enough to keep Christmas away.  In fact, nothing can trump the power of Christmas.  This year proves it.  God is bigger and more powerful than everything.

Give thanks to the LORD who has shown us that we can do it.  With God’s strength and power, we’ve already accomplished something we previously thought to be impossible.  We’ve seen for ourselves that Merry Christmas Miracles exist and that God is very much still alive and active in this world.  We did it, and God-willing, we’ll do it even better next year.

“God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.  Glory to God in the church!  Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus!  Glory down all the generations!  Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!”  (Ephesians 3:20-21, The Message)

 1 Day to Christmas, Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Christmas Eve is for Non-Church People

If yesterday’s Devotion didn’t get to you, maybe this one will.  Christmas Eve has arrived.  What are your plans?  Are you going to church?  I bet you are, or you wouldn’t be reading a devotion.  

Although Easter is typically the biggest attendance day of the year, Christmas Eve will attract more rebels, nonchurchgoers, and anti-church believers to a service than any other time of year.  I love these folks.  They don’t buy into the significance of Christmas, but they’ll go to church today because of a fear of upsetting Santa (or Mama) before he (or she) arrives later tonight.

I kid you not.  Church haters will be open to attending church tonight.  Do you know anyone like that?  I bet you do!

It’s really amazing to witness the power of Christmas.  We often poke fun at our Christmas villains, like Grinch, Scrooge, and the Herdmans.  However, we also love them because they turn from their evil ways and finally welcome God’s Love into their heart at Christmas.

I know.  This doesn’t sound like a normal Christmas Eve devotion… And it’s not supposed to.  All of us know people who loathe the idea of church, faith, or anything squishy like that.  Some are angry with God (for valid reasons) or have deep pains from something that happened to them in a church context.  Other faith-haters just won’t admit that they need some help, even if it is from some invisible and intangible source that we call, “LORD”.

Today is the day to invite that person to church.  They probably aren’t expecting an invitation, but deep down inside them, the Holy Spirit is gently working on their hearts.  Statistics consistently show that most non-churchgoers feel left out when their friends and family (who are church people) don’t invite them to church. 

One of the emotions they experience is that we, that’s right, you and me, don’t care enough about them to issue an invitation.  In other words, many church-haters think that you and I don’t think the church-hater is “good enough” to merit an invitation to church.  I know that sounds strange to us, but it’s a very painful reality for them.

Today, bring the Christmas Story alive in someone’s heart.  Consider inviting someone to church who doesn’t want to go.  Offer to pick them up and take them with you.  If you have to, bribe them with a nice meal afterward, or something similar.  Do whatever you must, but give them the best invitation you can. 

If they accept our invitation, we may be giving them the gift of Eternal Life.  If they turn us down, at least they know that we care enough about them to invite them.  It’s a no-lose proposition today.  Don’t pass it up.  This only happens once a year.  Today is our chance to make a difference in the life of someone that God wants and needs!

“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”  (John 3:17, NRSV)

 2 Days to Christmas, Monday, December 23, 2024

“A Prayer for Two Days Before Christmas”

Two days before Christmas is really important for lots of reasons, but especially important for everyone who works in a church.  Two days before Christmas means that today is the last day to prepare for Christmas Eve.

All the work of the last few weeks and months is now about to be finalized.  Bulletins are being printed.  Volunteers are being recruited.  Worship centers and sanctuaries are being cleaned, organized, and prepped for the big day.  Christmas Eve is tomorrow, meaning that we have a little more time (but not much)!

Christmas Eve is important at Church!  One reason is that many non-churchgoers will decide to attend.  Now, I don’t mean to preach, but consider how a first-time visitor is received on Christmas Eve.  Will they feel welcome or will they feel lost, confused, or awkward?  What will your church look, feel, and sound like?

This is a crucial statement.  Unchurched people are not necessarily worried about theology, a strong sermon, perfect music, or a pretty bulletin.  New people on Christmas Eve are often looking for something special that they cannot experience elsewhere.  Something (we call it the Holy Spirit) has steered them to Church, and plenty of times, the visitors themselves couldn’t explain why they were there.

As church-going folks, we can do a lot for new people who will attend tomorrow night.  Welcoming people with a smile, handshake, and friendly introduction goes a long way.  Asking them if they’ve even been there doesn’t help.  You already know they are new so try to avoid putting them in a situation that makes them feel awkward.  Point out the restrooms and the refreshments.  And best of all, invite them to come back sometime soon.

We have 24 hours to gear up for Christmas Eve worship.  We’ve already made our plans to attend somewhere but most people are wrestling with the decision of whether to attend worship tomorrow.  Pray for them.  Pray that they respond to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.  Pray that God leads them to you tomorrow.  And, finally, when you see them on Christmas Eve, give them some Christmas love.  Welcome them as God would want us to.  Just a little love and kindness goes a long, long way.

“And the jailer took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds, and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.  Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.”  (Acts 16:33-34, ESV)

 3 Days to Christmas, Sunday, December 22, 2024

“Christmas Love”

Because God so loves the world, He comes into the world to save it, protect it, nurture it, and bless it.  This is a present tense, referring to the reality that God’s work at Christmas is not simply something in the past.  It is something that still occurs today and every day ahead.

One of our challenges as human beings is that our brains aren’t big enough and our hearts aren’t pure enough to love someone in such a way that there is no harm, hurt, or pain so great that we can overlook it.  I believe most of us would like to say that we can love everyone, but truth be told, we all have our limits.  In fact, plenty of us struggle to love ourselves, let alone, another person.

In part, we call this, “Grace”.  It’s God’s offering of something just because of who God is and not because of who we are.  We, too, can offer one another Grace, but still, the Grace we offer has limits.  It’s much easier to stand on the sidelines and throw rocks at our enemies (or anyone we don’t like) than to run on the field or court and give them a hug.

Those of us who carry big pain are experts in this.  Over the years, we have analyzed the pain from every possible angle.  Then, even after we finally resolve it within ourselves, at times we revert to that place of pain as if it is a warm blanket.  Regarding those deepest pains, we don’t allow them to go away.  Instead, we find ways to cope with them.  (Hopefully, our coping mechanism is rooted in Faith.)

Because this is our reality, it’s super-difficult for us to understand the immensity of God’s love for the world.  God wants us to grow.  God wants us to learn.  God wants us to become better so that we are more like His family than a bunch of pawns on a chessboard.

As we prepare for Christmas these next few days, take some time to reflect upon God’s love.  How is it that God can love us so much?  How is it that God has so much patience for our screw-ups and mistakes?  God’s love through Christmas is the reason, not because of who we are, but because of who God is.

“This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.”  (‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭10,‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

 4 Days to Christmas, Saturday, December 21, 2024

“Winter Solstice”

Today is the Winter Solstice, representing the shortest amount of daylight and the longest amount of darkness in the year.  For those who live in the extreme northern parts of North America, tonight is the night that presents some of the best Northern Lights of the year. 

Before Rome adopted the modern calendar as we know it in the AD 300s, much of the world identified with the Winter Solstice occurring on December 25th, Christmas Day.  It was also often called Midwinter, representing the middle point of the Winter season.

There is also an ancient Hebrew tradition regarding today’s date.  The Talmud, a sacred text of Hebrew law, teachings, and commentaries, explains that the first man, Adam, is the first to recognize the Winter Solstice.  The story goes that when Adam saw daylight shortening and darkness extending, he believed it was punishment for his sin and that the world was retracting back into chaos.  As a result, beginning on the Solstice, Adam spent eight days fasting and praying to repent of his sin.

Of course, most of us will not really notice much difference from yesterday, nor will we have some passionate inclination to spend the next eight days fasting and praying.  After all, this is Christmastime, and fasting does not sound very appetizing this time of year.  Praying sounds good but not from an intense feeling of guilt and repentance.  We typically save those things for Lent, when we’re already depressed from the long winter.

Christmas is a time to celebrate, but it is also a good time to reflect on the importance of God’s gift to the world.  Finding a few moments to pause, breathe, and pray can be a powerful tool this time of year.  When everything and everyone is on hyper-speed, allowing God an opportunity to speak, guide, and inspire is much more powerful than anything on the roads or in the stores.

Take some time today, on the Winter Solstice, to give God some praise, prayer, and glory.  All this technical stuff about the earth tilting this way and that, creating longer and shorter days, is really amazing.  But it’s over my head.  I’m just happy that the whole world has stayed together in one piece, and by giving God a little time today, God will help me stay put together as well.  

“Everything was created by God, everything in heaven and on earth, everything seen and unseen, including all forces and powers, and all rulers and authorities.  All things were created by God’s Son, and everything was made for Him.”  (Colossians 1:16 CEV)

 5 Days to Christmas, Friday, December 20, 2024

“Christmas Music”

How long have you been listening to Christmas music?  Whether it’s a classic, instrumental, modern original, or remake of an oldie and goodie, the airwaves are filled with the tunes.  

Some of us, like myself,  love the music.  I’ve been listening to Christmas music for well over a month now  (Yes, I was listening before Thanksgiving).  I’m not sure why I enjoy Holiday Music so much, which is awfully curious since my normal musical genre (metal) is so far away from the joy of Christmas Music.  Somehow Christmas does that.  It actually changes things, both inside and outside.  Even for those who are beginning to become weary of the Holiday flare playing overhead in the grocery store, it’s impossible to deny Music’s importance in the Holiday.

The first Christmas Music began as Hymns and Carols, telling the story of the Christian Faith.  Now the airwaves are filled with all manner of both religious and non-religious Christmas Music.  It’s likely that most people don’t necessarily differentiate between the religious and non-religious, which in my book is just fine.

One thing is for sure:  Christmas wouldn’t be the same if we didn’t have the music to accompany it.  The Angels sang the first Christmas Carol over the manger when Jesus was born, and ever since that moment, we’ve been singing for Christmas. 

I’m a Christmas Nerd; I admit it.  I love the stuff.  However, I recognize that not everyone shares my opinion.  If that includes you, I appreciate your patience while the rest of us enjoy it.  Statistics show that 75% of people enjoy listening to it, which is probably why so many artists record Holiday music.  (Of course, for a musician, just one big Christmas hit becomes an annuity that will pay in perpetuity.  I mean, really, is there any other occasion in which we can listen to both Bing Crosby and Sia on the same station or playlist?)

Christmas Music is nearing the end of its tenure for 2024.  We’ll hear it for at least a week after Christmas, but then it’ll be gone for another ten months.   Let’s enjoy it while we can.  Personally, I’m thankful that God continues to work through lots of musicians to help make the Holidays so special.  It also gives my neck a rest since I don’t bang my head for two months each year.  

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’”  (Luke 2:13-14, KJV)

 6 Days to Christmas, Thursday, December 19, 2024

“Mail Is Almost Late”

If we want to mail a Christmas card, we had better do it ASAP.  The deadline for regular USPS postage was yesterday to arrive by Christmas.  To get mail or packages at their destination in time, we need to do it today and we’ll need to pay a little extra.  The Priority Mail deadline is today.  You’re not late, yet, but you’re cutting it close.  Oh, and yeah, you can’t just drop it in the mailbox today.  You must go inside the Post Office for Priority Mail.

There’s a scene in the movie, Men in Black II, starring Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, when Tommy Lee Jones is employed as a Post Master in a remote post office in Massachusetts.  There’s an urgent situation in which Will Smith has to convince Tommy Lee Jones to leave his job as Post Master because of an attack by evil aliens.  Tommy Lee Jones doesn’t believe in aliens, so Will Smith walks him into the back office (where Tommy Lee works every day) and proves to Jones that all of the back office postal employees are aliens disguised as postal workers.

I love that scene.  I’ve always had great respect for my post offices and mail deliveries.  It’s one of those jobs that most people don’t recognize as difficult or important.  By suggesting the postal office workers are aliens, the writers for Men in Black II are having fun, but they’re also suggesting that only those with super-human strength and skills could possibly do those jobs.  I agree.  The post office is not an easy place to work, nor is it glamorous.

Who delivers your mail?  Who works behind the desks and in the back offices of your post office?  One last-minute gift idea might be to pick up a nice little something for them.  A gift card to a coffee shop, movie theater, or even Amazon could be a nice little gift.  It doesn’t have to be much, especially if everyone chips in and does it.

This Christmas let’s not forget the people who are working especially hard to do something for us.  We have big expectations of them and we rarely (if ever) thank them.  Let’s consider one of those people this Christmas Season.  Postal workers, police officers, and firefighters, all qualify.  What a nice surprise!

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.”  (Proverbs 3:27, ESV)

 7 Days to Christmas, Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Expect A White Christmas

Is anyone dreaming of a White Christmas?  The official definition of a White Christmas is that your location must have at least 1 inch of snow (or ice) on the ground at 7 am local time on Christmas Day.  A dusting of snow won’t do it.  Snow later in the day won’t do it either. 

In 2023, only 17.6% of the United States enjoyed a White Christmas.  However, in 2022, 53% of the country experienced a White Christmas, which represented the highest percentage since they've been keeping up with the statistics.  In 2024, current predictions are that less than 10% of the United States will receive a White Christmas.  So, if the weather professionals are correct, quit wishing for it.  It ain’t gonna happen.

There are probably lots of people who wish that their Christmas would not be White.  Those who have extreme winter weather seasons might wish for a green, tropical Christmas like the one we experience on the island.  I think those dreams, whether it’s for a White or Green Christmas, are beautiful.  I also think they can be helpful, in that those dreams and wishes can sometimes provide us with a little glimmer of hope when we need it.

But realistically, most of us will experience a Christmas that’s in between White and Green, with little fanfare and nothing interesting.  That’s okay.  Whatever our climate is on Christmas, God can still do magical, wonderful, and miraculous things.  Our climate, which could also include our current station in life (health, relationship status, economic struggle, etc.) does not have to dictate our Christmas.  God is bigger than all of those things and God has not forgotten about any of us.

In this last week leading to Christmas, consider focusing on what CAN happen.  Our dreams of a White Christmas are fine if that’s what we need to pull us through, but God CAN do a whole lot more than we give Him credit for, and certainly more than a White Christmas.  A friend recently told me that they have changed their prayers to what they EXPECT God to do.  I know that could be dangerous, but it sure seems like it is also super-faithful.  

“You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.”  (Matthew 21:22, NLT)

 8 Days to Christmas, Tuesday, December 17, 2024

“Try, Trust, and Focus”

I serve as pastor of the Longboat Island Chapel, located on Longboat Key, Florida.  It has become a tradition in the last few years to assemble and stage a massive Holiday display in our adjoining gardens.  In addition to the dozens of trees, hundreds of decorations, and many tens of thousands of lights, the Chapel also hosts a variety of live musicians throughout the season.

Following the Hurricanes that decimated the area a couple of months ago, I doubt that any of us thought that it would be possible to stage the Garden this year.  But through the extremely hard work of lots of volunteers, the Garden was pulled together and once again this year, it has become a place of solace and peace during the Holiday Season.

The effort to restore the Gardens this year was a concerted effort.  The Chapel focused its’ time and attention on that one thing.  Sure, plenty of other projects are simultaneously at work, but it took lots of committed, focused people to make it happen.

We would love to fix all of our remaining problems at once.  We would love to be able to fix, among other things, the air conditioners, driveway, roof, floors, and seating…all at the same time.  But we can’t.  We can’t afford it, either with financial resources or volunteer labor.  We’ve had to pick and choose, or, in other words, we’ve had to prioritize our projects so that eventually, everything will be completed.

Life is full of decisions that involve our priorities.  Christmas, especially, involves priorities.  Some things can be completed.  Other things cannot be accomplished.  Part of the magic of Christmas is that we are celebrating a LORD who also chose to take His time, prioritize, and rely upon the help from friends and family to make it happen.  The LORD didn’t operate in a vacuum.  The LORD chose to include lots of men and women who became the catalyst for starting the Church, something that was not even understood until the time was right.

This Christmas is a pivotal moment in all of our lives.  Most of us are trying to make the most of it, even though we are operating with less than a full deck of resources, both human and financial.  However, it’s when we are operating with less that God can do so much more.  

Sometimes, we have to try, trust, and focus.  It takes a reliance upon the LORD to make our lives the most beautiful they can be, just as the LORD relied upon imperfect family, friends, and followers to make Christmas as perfect as it can be.

“And I will always guide you and satisfy you with good things. I will keep you strong and well. You will be like a garden that has plenty of water, like a spring of water that never goes dry.”  (Isaiah 58:11, Good News Translation)

 9 Days to Christmas, Monday, December 16, 2024

"National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day"

Warning!  This is a trap.  Don’t fall for it.  Today is National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day. 

Did you already have a craving for chocolate today?  I find it interesting that we can fall so easily for something we didn’t know we wanted.  Chocolate. During the Holidays, we are saturated with all kinds of chocolate-related advertising, from candy bars to chocolate-covered cherries.   

Others will struggle to not enjoy something chocolate.  In fact, today is really not that special for chocolate lovers.  There are thirteen “National” days in our calendar that involve chocolate.  That’s right, 13.  They include other days such as March 24, “National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day” and September 22, “National White Chocolate Day.”

Now, I recognize that most people don’t need an excuse to consume chocolate.  For someone like me who is allergic to chocolate, it means nothing.  I’m not attracted to chocolate in any way (though I do have weaknesses for a couple of treats).  Instead, I’m already planning on consuming one of my non-chocolate personal favorites, specifically because I feel excluded.

That’s the warning.  That’s the trap.  We are exposed to something specific that we don’t have, and in the process, we figure out ways to get it.  We even make up things like, “Calories don’t count in the Holidays”, just so we can enjoy our favorite treats.  Goodness.

One of God’s greatest gifts to the world is the gift of “Free Will.”  God didn’t create us to be robots.  God created us uniquely with the ability to choose, which includes choosing chocolate if we have it available.  But that gift of “Free Will” includes something much bigger and more significant:  The ability to choose to love God for ourselves.

That’s what Christmas and the Holiday Season is all about.  It’s about God offering himself to us in a way that we can understand.  A baby born into a hostile and impoverished world is much easier for us to understand than a baby born in the finest castle.  God was very intentional in how all this happened, just as God was intentional in creating each of us.

So, how will you celebrate National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day?  Will you eat chocolate?  If so, thank God for that blessing.  If, however, you’re like me and will be dodging the chocolate trap, thank God for another treat.  If nothing else, our ability to choose is worth a big “Thank You” to the God who created it all. 

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”  (Colossians, 3:17, ESV)

 10 Days to Christmas, Sunday, December 15, 2024

“T Minus Ten Days”

The ten-day countdown has begun!   That’s right!  In just ten days, we will finally reach that moment that some of us have anticipated for an entire year!  

What will it be like?  What will it feel like?

One of my fondest memories of Christmas occurred about fifteen years ago.  I had just finished a midnight Christmas Eve service.  As I walked out of the auditorium and looked out the front windows, it was snowing.  All was calm.  All was bright.

That feeling lasted for just one moment, and yet, fifteen years later, I can still remember what it felt like.  Quiet.  Peace.  Calm.  Joy.

I don’t think that will be the greatest Christmas moment I’ve experienced.  I still hope, no, I still expect to experience moments even more powerful and memorable than that one.  For me, it’s that part of what drives me in this final stretch.  My internal engines are running at full capacity, but I know once Christmas arrives, I’ll be able to stop, breathe, and thank the LORD for a life better than I deserve.  

These Holiday moments, whenever they occur, are important.  We can’t create them for ourselves.  Only God can deliver the kind of hope, peace, joy, and love that lasts a lifetime.  Yet, still, I am the only one who can allow myself to become vulnerable to what Christmas can do for me.  

The same is true for all of us.  We can only experience the full potential of Christmas by giving ourselves to the LORD, fully and completely, so that God can fill us with the gifts of Christmas.  It’s not as difficult as we might think.  We don’t need to be perfect to give ourselves to God.  In fact, this is why God created Christmas in the first place:  To save, protect, and empower imperfect people who need another chance in this life.

T minus Ten days remaining to Christmas.  The best part of the 2024 Holiday Season begins now, or at least, the best part begins as soon as we are ready.  Are you ready?  The engines are running!  Climb aboard, close the hatch, and hold on tight.  Here we go!

“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.”  (Colossians 4:2, NLT)

 11 Days to Christmas, Saturday, December 14, 2024

“Unplanned Holiday Surprises”

Today is the first of two remaining Saturdays for Christmas.  There’s not much reason to ask if the traffic will be nightmarish and stores will be packed.  We already know it’s true.  But so far in these devotions, we’ve been trying to discover new approaches that could help us through the chaos about to erupt.  Will we encounter problems?

Sure!  We know issues will occur!  However, we’ve successfully completed every other Christmas just fine and we’ll make it through this one as well.  We might not be able to stop all the Unplanned Holiday Surprises, but we do have control over how we react to each of them.

Let’s change the topic for a moment.  In the tropics, wedding season has again surfaced amidst the Christmas frenzy.  Brides and Grooms are stressed and stretched, but much of the emotions they face are related to the unknown mishaps that MIGHT occur during their big day.  In an attempt to assist them, I’ll talk with them about Unplanned Surprises. They WILL occur.  But often, the surprises that surface become some of the fondest memories.  Preparing ahead of time, by recognizing that something curious or alarming will occur, helps to relax the couple during the waiting period.

We can approach the Holiday Season in much the same way.  Things will happen, but it’s those kitchen catastrophes and party mishaps that can become the fondest memories.  Unplanned Holiday Surprises don’t have to become bad things.  They can often be transformed into special moments that are cherished for years to come.

Two more Saturdays until Christmas.  Let’s plan and prepare the best we can, but also leave plenty of wiggle room for the surprises.  Jesus’ parents, Mary and Joseph, experienced plenty of big, Unplanned Surprises.  An unplanned pregnancy, followed by a last-minute road trip when the baby was due, no rooms available at the hotel, a birth assisted by shepherds, and a surprise visit from foreign magi are just a few of the Unplanned Holiday Surprises that we’ve cherished for two thousand years. 

No matter what surfaces, the LORD is with us, every moment of every day!  Bring on those Unplanned Holiday Surprises.  This will be a wonderful Christmas!

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”  (Deuteronomy 31:6, NIV)

 12 Days to Christmas, Friday, December 13, 2024

“Hit the Panic Button”

Just twelve days to Christmas.  Is it time to panic?  If you’re a list maker, yes, it’s time to panic.  You’re behind.  If you’re a procrastinator, no worries.  You’re still ahead.

At some point during the Holiday Season, it becomes real, doesn’t it?  Something triggers inside our head and the reality of Christmas’ proximity will sink in.  How will we react?  For some of us, panic will emerge, along with a host of external, visible, and audible responses.

Have you hit the Panic Button yet?  I really wish the Panic Button didn’t exist,   but pretending that it doesn’t exist would be like pretending Christmas isn’t real.  People are relying upon us for various reasons and that’s why we’re hitting the button, right?  But really, are our loved ones really relying upon us purely for the gifts that we give them or meals we can cook?

I acknowledge that, yes, some of our loved ones might hanging around just because of the stuff we do for them.  For the most part, however, that is not reality.  They would much rather have a happy and healthy “us” than receive a gift that could be easily forgotten months from now.

So, what should we do with the Panic Button?  I don’t think ignoring it is a good (or healthy) solution.  Nor do I think it’s good (or healthy) to hit the button and go great guns to fulfill what we think people expect of us.  Instead, the proper solution might be somewhere in between. 

What is the best thing we can do for our loved ones this year?  If we are able to answer that question quickly, then congratulations.  You’ve found the right solution.  Meanwhile, the rest of us are already wrestling with the answer, partly because the best gift we can give has all kinds of pain and suffering attached to it.  Admittance of Wrong.  Forgiveness for a Wrong Committed.  Reconciliation.  Detachment from material, temporary, or artificial things…this is the difficult stuff but it’s the stuff that can often mean the most…to everyone.

Don’t hit the Panic Button, yet.  Relax.  Breathe.  Ask God for some Peace.  Seek the LORD’s guidance for what the LORD needs, after all, it is the LORD’s birthday.  We don’t necessarily need to forego the gifts we’re planning to give to loved ones, but the motivation for our gifts might be just what we’re looking for.

“Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks.  Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 4:6-7, CEB)

 13 Days to Christmas, Thursday, December 12, 2024

"Always Ask For Help"

I recently met with a couple who is engaged to be married.  Like so many of us, they’ve been there and done that.  They have far more experience with marriage than I (which is often the case for counselors and pastors), but they still want to meet to explore situations that they may not be able to figure out on their own.

Seeking help from another person is not always easy.  It takes an admittance that we can’t handle everything ourselves.  It doesn’t mean that we are incompetent.  Instead, it means that we are actually strong enough to admit a need and be willing to learn from someone else.

I know.  This probably seems like a simple message, but it’s much more complicated than one might think.  For instance, how many times have I intentionally not asked for help when help is standing right next to me?  Does yesterday’s trip to the grocery store still haunt me somewhat?  If I would have asked one of the grocery store clerks for help, I could have saved at least 15 minutes.  Silly, right?  I’d love an extra 15 minutes here or there.  I’m preaching to myself now.

It happens all the time.  A little help or a request for assistance can go a long way, especially this time of year.  Even if I think I know everything about the store or the product I’m searching for, I could still use some assistance.  Even if I have more experience than the person close to me, I bet they have ideas I haven’t considered.  

I should be ready to learn something new.  I should be ready to ask for help.  I can always learn something new, especially when I’m shopping during the Holidays.  Retailers will be packed with all kinds of essential items I didn’t know I needed.  The more I wander in the store, the more unplanned money I spend.  If I would simply ask for help as soon as I enter the store, I would save both time and money.

Gee!  It only took 55 years to figure that out!  I suppose it’s better late than never.

“My God will richly fill your every need in a glorious way through Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:19, GW translation)