Surviving the Christmas Season
Do you remember when this happened to you as a kid, you get a Christmas gift from some relative, you are so excited, you open it and… it’s a clip-on tie, or sock suspenders, or a book (Whiskies of theWorld),or a denture cleaning kit… And then it happens, you have a rush in your belly, pressure building under your eyes, you look to your parent and there is that unmistakable nod or mouthed words and we say… “Thank you?” Sometimes the lessons we learn as kids we happen to forget as adults.
We are about to enter an interesting season, one filled with more. More lights, more spending, more eating, more family (aka more stress) much much more. Maybe a good question to ask ourselves during this time is what do we want the state of our heart to be mid- January? Stressed, empty, overwhelmed? Or at peace, whole, a place of awe?
There are two proven attitudes to make it through this season: The first, remember the lesson from childhood and say “Thank you.” Studies show being grateful makes you more creative, energetic, optimistic, more socially connected, capable of earning more money, more forgiving, more generous, and of course better looking (maybe that last one was added). The Bible says gratitude leads to peace “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding , will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
Smart Harvard people say the practice of gratitude requires you make a list of six things you’re grateful for and then tell someone.
The second attitude is closely related. I remember being asked the question, “What’s the one thing all of North America doesn’t have?” I was stumped but when I was told the answer I kind of wish they left me in the dark because it hit close to home. The answer is, “Enough.” Yeah I know, they say we will spend more in this Black Friday through Boxing Day season than the rest of the 10.5 months combined. “Never Enough” is deeply embedded in our culture and the attitude of nonstop craving eventually leads to poison in our soul. How do we push back from this default position? We embrace contentment. What’s contentment? It’s “WANTING” what you already have. We can practice, fill in the blank; “I love my_____ it couldn’t be better.” I love my (car, neighbors, clowns I work with, family, body… ok, I know it breaks down at some point). The Apostle Paul practiced this: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4). I’ve heard it said if you can’t find happiness on the plane there, you won’t be happy in Hawaii. Contentment will not only make this season of “more” better, it will make the rest of the year better. This Christmas let’s clear some space for peace so we can focus on the One who brings peace.
by Pastor Dave Zimmerman
www.braggcreekchurch.ca
