Sometimes I find that during the craziness of the holidays I lose sight of what is important. I am more short-tempered with my family and the ones I care about the most. I get stressed about how much weight I have gained through all of the great goodies available since Halloween until Christmas! All of this spells D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R for me.
Let's just pause for 30 seconds and recall why we celebrate the holidays. Is it for family? Is it for the gifts you give? Is it for who you get to hang out with? Why are you pushing yourself so hard in the holidays?
Why DO we celebrate? What's your purpose during the holidays?
For me it is for the amazing celebration of the birth of my closest relationship I have. The closest relationship I have in my life is one I have with Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ was born into a chaotic mess of a world (economic turmoil in a Roman controlled world and religious fighting among those following religion). He grew up and in His 30's suffered and died of a cruel execution on a Roman cross for the sins of the whole world.
He entered in a world of mess so He could offer the most precious gift ever to us...the gift of a relationship with Him.
As I get confused and dazed by all of the hustle and bustle of the holidays I remember that Jesus wants to enter into my holidays to provide his peace and purpose.
Be purposeful in the relationships you have and enjoy being around them. Try not to make it about the money and things you are giving or getting and more about who you are with.