The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” It’s the time when we remember the birth of our Savior. It’s the time when we celebrate by singing carols that are reminiscent of His birth. That’s why it’s called Christmas.

For many it’s the most stressful time of the year. There are gifts to be bought, with money we don’t have. There are parties to attend, when we feel so alone.

What can make this season different? What is important to you? Consider how you want to spend this Christmas season.

Is this the year to change focus? What would it mean to focus on the spiritual aspects of Christmas instead of the materialistic demands. What can you do to keep focused on the true meaning of Christmas? Here’s a few ideas:

Every day do something to share God’s love.
Bake some cookies and take them to a family in need.
Simplify your expectations of what you need to do. Be reasonable with your schedule. Pick one or two activities to attend rather than doing everything.
Relax and enjoy your family. Prioritize this time.
Thank the people who serve you in restaurants, supermarkets, stores, gas stations etc. (A kind word is a gift during this season.)
Send a personal note to someone who needs some encouragement during this season.
Plan one thing that will make you happy. Stress free! Be kind to yourself.
Have coffee with a friend, sometimes that’s more meaningful than a gift. The gift of your time.
Read a Christmas storybook. I still like reading through some of my grandchildren’s.
Read Luke chapter 2. What stood out to you the most? Be thankful.

I would encourage you to do a few of these things. I think you’ll likely find yourself enjoying the holidays more this year. Christmas time is meant to be filled with family, friends and fun.

As a life coach let me encourage each of you to take some time this month to plan for 2019
What are three things you believe God is speaking to you about? Write them down; what actions do you need to put in place; when do you want to accomplish this; and who will you be accountable to?

My prayer for each of you as we close out 2018 is Ephesians 3:14-19.

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.