Christmas for Christians

What should Christmas look like for Christians? Very interesting topic. My husband and I have chosen not to do the tree, presents, lights, Santa... We feel they have nothing to do with Jesus. We have decided to give to those in need because Jesus said when we give to "the least of these" (Matt. 25:40) we give to Him and since it is supposedly His birthday we are celebrating we thought that would be a tangible way to give Him a present.

We go to gospelforasia.com. Please consider checking this out. How cool would it be to "shop" with your kids and tell them "this year we are going to spend a little money on Jesus. Let's pick out what we should buy."

Do share what your Christmas looks like. This is not a black and white subject with my husband and I. We truly don't judge other families for how they choose to celebrate Christmas. I am grateful however that we are on the same page. It would be stressful to want different things. I am looking forward to celebrating Christ on Christmas day just as I do everyday.

What Not To Say...

Well, I am on the couch... A LOT. I have a big rat nest in the back of my hair from laying down so much. So sad and unfortunately so true. Being sick during my pregnancy seems to lead me to being someone I don't want to be... It's like I psych myself up saying: "next pregnancy I will be joyful!" and then lo and behold I am pregnant and not pleasant.

Why do our bodies have such power over us?! The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.

There is one thing I learn whenever I am sick and it's what NOT to say to people who are suffering or struggling. Cliches. Even solid Christian ones like: "God is in control". "Trust Him." "He only does what is best for His children." And on and on it goes. You know when Job's friends blew it? When they opened their mouths. Before that they just sat with him for days and didn't say a word. That is a good friend.

Don't get me wrong. I am tempted to say these types of things to people often. BUT unless I have a strong motivation from the Lord (which I do believe happens) I refrain. People usually know all the things we want to tell them. They just want someone to say (or at least this is what I like to hear): "I am so sorry, is there anything I can do for you?" That's it. So simple. And yet it shows me they care.

I need to work on James 1:5 "Counting it all joy when I fall into various trials.." I talk to the Lord about this verse often saying: "Lord, I don't get it. I am so weak! How can I count THIS as a joy? I can't take care of my house.... my children... my husband... or even myself (still haven't showered today... yikes!). Lord, you are going to have to show me because I don't understand."

And I don't understand. This hits me hard. 1 Corinthians chapter 2 is one of my faves. Verse 14 in the amplified version reads:

"But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated."

Thank you Lord that my nonspiritual man does not accept or understand these things but who I am in You DOES! I can count it all joy in my spirit. Thank you Lord for comforting me in ways that no man's words ever can. You alone are my Refuge and my Counselor.