As We Approach Advent and Christmas...

The presents, the food, the weekend parties, the family, the shopping, the late nights, the job, the lack of job, the self-induced expectations, the commercials, Hallmark commercials; it can all be overwhelming at this time of year. Right? Only if we let it be that way. How can we approach Advent and Christmas from a Christian perspective? Think about Jesus and how He approaches us. He gave Himself to us. He only focused on what was important in His life. He always had time for those who needed Him. He was very close with His heavenly Father, always wanting to follow God's will.
Seriously, how can you put that recipe into your Christmas preparations? Have a plan as a family. Sit down with your budget, your calendar and your priorities as a family who loves God and map out a plan. Gift-giving does not have to always be about money. My husband and I love having time with our children and grandchildren. That is a gift to us. Giving a letter to my children and grandchildren about how special they are to me is something they treasure. Think about ways that you as a family can give of yourselves to one another and to those who are lonely or not as blessed as you. When you are shopping for others, have a plan and a budget and stick to it. There will be no remorse on your part later. Always give with no expectations of getting. Give from your heart out of the joy of giving.
Have a plan on how you will spend your time on the weekends. Children and adults both need down time on the weekends to be able to re-charge for the week. Try to eat healthy food and stick to the family bedtime routines.
Most importantly, Jesus IS the reason for the season. Without worship we can completely lose sight of why we have Christmas. Jesus came. He lived. He died. He rose for you and me so that we can have eternal life. Now, we are waiting with a giving heart for Him to return.