It’s the Most Wonderful Time…

It’s December 1st. It’s time. Time for the marathon month. It’s time to decorate, bake, buy (Buy, BUY!), wrap, ship, trim, sing, love and hug. I do love Christmas and everything about it, but this month can be the most stressful of them all.

I think of so many who are without work right now, struggling to pay bills, facing the first Christmas ever with no gifts for the kids. Others have recently lost loved ones and find this time of year emotional and heart breaking in their grief.

Many of us are facing challenges and pressures that are greater than years past. What to do?

Trust. Hold steady. Count our blessings.

Truly, even in our need, we have so much. We need to focus on what we have and present our needs to God, trusting Him for a good outcome. And we need to be faithful.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). Now is not the time to give up. Take the next step. Keep planting good seeds. We will reap a harvest if we “hang in there.”

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10). As we present our requests to God, trust Him to answer, and continue in faithfulness, we will find great joy if we also reach out to someone else.

Now is the perfect time to “do good” for someone. Be the “peace-bearer” in this crazy month. Be the one who takes time to listen, who speaks that encouraging word. A present or food basket dropped off on a doorstep would be a tremendous way to spread God’s love and true Christmas cheer.

As you turn the calendar page to December today, are you dreading it or planning to enjoy it?