It truly is the most wonderful time of the year. My calendar is already filled with many parties and festivities, and everywhere I look, there’s evidence of Christmas cheer. The lights, the music, and the decorations are all so lovely and so wonderfully engrossing. There’s so much significance to the holiday season, so much to be thankful for, and so much to celebrate.
This month on the blog, we want to focus on the theme of celebration, partly because it’s the natural thing in the month of December, but mostly because we have an invitation from God to commemorate with rejoicing who He is and what He has done. You will see us sharing testimonies, celebrating our authors, and devoting space to honoring and praising the One who has made everything possible. Today, I want to give you a few reasons to celebrate this season, things that are worth marking out time for which to give honor and thanks. I pray that you will remember these throughout this season and that they will emphasize the Father’s faithfulness to you.
The birth of Jesus.
“And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’” Luke 2:10-11 ESV.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of shopping and parties, it’s so easy to bypass the opportunity to thank God for sending His son Jesus into the world. As you go about your holiday activities, remember Him. Remember that the reason we can give gifts, sing carols, and gather with one another is because of our Savior. If you find yourself stuck this month on what is worth celebrating, fix your eyes on Jesus. Dwell in the gloriousness of the birth of the One who would change our story. Use all of your festivities to glorify Him and to love on His people.
Everything God has done this year.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,” Ephesians 1:3 ESV.
Now is a great time to reflect on all the ways God has moved in your life since the start of 2018. Celebrate the ways He’s provided for you, moved the mountains that were in front of you, blessed you, and protected you. Think about specific moments where He broke in and shifted things or revealed Himself in your situation. This season is an opportunity to thank God for all the things He brought you through, all the things you conquered because of Him.
The people around you.
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans 12:10 ESV.
The right time to celebrate people is all the time, but this season is certainly as good a time as any. Enjoy gathering with your family and friends, and tell them how grateful you are for them and how much you love them. Honor your coworkers and employees, your delivery driver, your store clerk, or your neighbors. Show love to as many people as you can this month. Thank God for the people He’s placed in your corner, and lift each other up.
Prayer:
God, give me the grace to celebrate this season, to praise You for who You are and all that You’ve done, and to honor others with love and generosity. Fix my eyes on You, and help me to be rooted in Your character through the busy holiday season. Bring stillness to my soul, and remind me of the things I have to be thankful for. You are a good God, and I will rejoice for all the ways you have shown yourself to me. Amen.
Author | Kalli Drake
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