Edgy Christmas

Christmas is such a sentimental season for me! I love the lights and other decorations. Our Christmas tree is always beautiful, even if it does have several hundred ornaments on it! Unfortunately, with preparing a house for sale and being jobless it hasn't had quite the magic in the air it usually does. I feel myself being a little on edge at times, having a hard time being present in the moment, letting loose and having fun.

I doubt I'm alone in that. With family visits and extra time with the kids, all the stress of trying to get things done can lead to some impatience and bickering. And that's no way to enjoy Christmas! So I find my conversation with God today taking me to a much-needed place. Care to come along? Read and mull over 2 Timothy 2:14-26 for a few minutes. What do you hear from God?

Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. . . .  Avoid Godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. . . . Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone . . . , not resentful. (v. 14, 16, 23-24)

While this text is focused on religious quarrels and arguments, I am hearing a word for how I carry myself with my family through this holiday season. The Holy Spirit is  reminding me that my time with him will help keep me centered in his will, receiving the "faith, love and peace" that come from a close relationship with Jesus (v. 22). I need to turn over every worry, every fear, every frustration to the God who sits on the throne of heaven. He alone is in control of my circumstances. I need to give extra love to my family, too.

God is saying, "I want your words to be patient and gentle to all of your family members and others around you. Be a bringer of good cheer. Be the cushion between others if they start to get on each other's nerves, not the catalyst for a quarrel."

And isn't this kitchen imagery appropriate for Christmas (v. 20-21)? Some things that come out of a kitchen you serve up to your guests in crystal bowls and silver trays. Other things you dump in the plastic trash can. Be sure what you're serving up out of your heart in the way of words and actions is fit for the best holiday dishes rather than the garbage disposal. As The Message puts it:

Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing. (v. 21)

Yes, I needed that, God. Thanks for the blessing of the reminder. Fill me with your peace and make me always a peacemaker. Make me less like lemon extract and more like a great big sugar cookie! Amen.

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