Christmas is supposed to be full of good cheer and pleasant memories. But with all the stressors of the season, there are plenty of Grinches waiting to steal our Christmas joy. In this series, we look at some of the most common things that can steal our joy during the holidays while also remembering that Christ can restore what sin seeks to take.
November 28: The Materialism That Stole Christmas
It is easy to get so focused on the gifts of Christmas that we forget about the Gift of Christmas! Materialism is rampant not only during the holidays, but in our society, all year long. In Luke 12, Jesus tells a parable that reminds us that the earthly things we store up for ourselves are not nearly as important as the spiritual inheritance that is ours in Christ.
It is easy to get so focused on the gifts of Christmas that we forget about the Gift of Christmas! Materialism is rampant not only during the holidays, but in our society, all year long. In Luke 12, Jesus tells a parable that reminds us that the earthly things we store up for ourselves are not nearly as important as the spiritual inheritance that is ours in Christ.
December 5: The Schedule That Stole Christmas
During the holidays, there are parties to attend and presents to buy and relatives to visit and too many things to do! The stress of the season can steal joy from the season. It is important that, rather than overscheduling ourselves, we take time for rest and, when we need it, be willing to ask for help.
During the holidays, there are parties to attend and presents to buy and relatives to visit and too many things to do! The stress of the season can steal joy from the season. It is important that, rather than overscheduling ourselves, we take time for rest and, when we need it, be willing to ask for help.
December 12: The Conflict That Stole Christmas
When families get together, conflict can abound. We can get frustrated with each other instead of celebrating with each other. James reminds us that, instead of fighting with others, we can trust in God to bring ultimate justice to all, even when we feel as though others have wronged us.
When families get together, conflict can abound. We can get frustrated with each other instead of celebrating with each other. James reminds us that, instead of fighting with others, we can trust in God to bring ultimate justice to all, even when we feel as though others have wronged us.
December 19: The Grief That Stole Christmas
As joyful as the holiday season is supposed to be, for some, this time of year brings grief, especially if they have recently lost a loved one. Jesus too knows the pain of loss. He weeps with you in your loss. But He can also overcome your loss with His promise of everlasting life.
As joyful as the holiday season is supposed to be, for some, this time of year brings grief, especially if they have recently lost a loved one. Jesus too knows the pain of loss. He weeps with you in your loss. But He can also overcome your loss with His promise of everlasting life.
December 24: The Power That Stole Christmas
If you were to ask someone the night of Jesus’ birth who the most powerful person in the world was, they would have reflexively responded, “Caesar Augustus.” He is the one, after all, who with a decree can send a peasant couple scrambling from Nazareth to Bethlehem. But true power was lying in a manger. How often do we seek to control our own lives – and even the lives of others – while forgetting that true power is in Christ?
If you were to ask someone the night of Jesus’ birth who the most powerful person in the world was, they would have reflexively responded, “Caesar Augustus.” He is the one, after all, who with a decree can send a peasant couple scrambling from Nazareth to Bethlehem. But true power was lying in a manger. How often do we seek to control our own lives – and even the lives of others – while forgetting that true power is in Christ?