This is a story about yours truly. Not very many years ago, my friends threatened an intervention regarding my Christmas sweaters. I wore them long past in vogue, but way before they came back in style as “ugly Christmas sweaters”. (For context see the pic of my twin sister and I in our reindeer gear.) I record ALL the Christmas programming just in case we have time to get to it before the holiday ends. I scour the paper (back in the day) and the internet for festive activities to drag my family to – including my poor retail manager husband. He works his tail off this time of year and yet I show him no mercy.
I want my decorations up the day after Thanksgiving, and the Christmas music to play exclusively then as well. I even want Christmas carols at church for the whole month of December. But alas, no one asks my opinion. Several years ago I even invented a thankfulness tree. It’s truthfully a veiled excuse to put the tree up November 1st (with leaves and pumpkins and decorative cards with the people and things we thank God for written on them) so that it’s easier and quicker to deck it in red and green once we finish the turkey and dressing!
If I had the only vote, I would watch exclusively Christmas movies and TV shows from December 1st through the 25th. And since I do have the only vote on what I read, I set all but Christmas books and bible studies aside, even if I’m in the middle of something else!
I love all the Christmas things. The lights, the wrapping paper and ribbon, the scarves and Santa hats, the cookies and smells. I admit I get carried away. I surround myself with cheesy, sappy sentimentality. It’s over the top, but I don’t care. Yes, Christmas was a magical time during my childhood. But looking back excites me much less than looking forward.
Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus. That happened over 2,000 years ago. But I celebrate because He still lives, and He has big plans for me and all who believe. God’s word tells us His plan.
In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 1 Peter 1:3-6 NIV
God sent Jesus to earth to die – taking the punishment for all my sins and yours. Because of this, believing in Jesus for salvation guarantees us a place with Him in heaven someday. We call it an “inheritance” because we become His child. And parents typically pass on good things to their children. The Bible tells us that God does this times 1000 (Matthew 7:11). And God protects us with His power until the time comes to go to Him. That doesn’t mean nothing bad will ever happen to us (hello, 2020). But that He doesn’t leave us alone to deal with the troubles we encounter in our time on a broken earth.
For these reasons I get fired up about Christmas. Yes, even this year. Because through all we suffer, He watches over us to fulfill His purposes in us. And when His will is fulfilled, He rewards those of us who believe by His much more tangible presence in a perfect new home. We have the victory, because that baby left heaven to come to earth. Woohoo!
So my prayer for you is this:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NIV
Merry Christmas!
And now for this week’s featured post!
If you are looking for something new to study in your time with the Lord, read Michele Morin’s compelling argument in Why You Should Read Isaiah this Christmas!
1. Share 1 or 2 of your most recent CHRISTIAN LIVING posts. (No DIY, crafts, recipes, or inappropriate articles.) All links are randomly sorted.
2. Comment on 1 or 2 other links. Grace & Truth linkup encourages community.
3. Every host features one entry from the previous week. To be featured, include this button or link back here on your post (mandatory to be featured, but not to participate).
We encourage you to follow our hosts on their blogs or social media.
MAREE DEE – Embracing the Unexpected
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
HEATHER HART & VALERIE RIESE – Candidly Christian
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
LAUREN SPARKS
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
LISA BURGESS – Lisa notes
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
Now Let’s Link Up!
Sharing is caring! If you liked this post, do me the huge honor of using the buttons below to share it to your favorite social media accounts. And if you want to get these essays emailed to you once a week, subscribe! Lastly, my posts may contain affiliate links and I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy anything from one of these links, I will receive a few pennies to help offset the cost of this website at no additional charge to you. Thank you in advance for your help.
To find some great places where I might be sharing this post, click here.
Michele Morin says
It is my prayer that many will open their Bibles this season and be blessed by Isaiah’s beautiful words. Thank you for sharing my post!
Lauren says
It is my pleasure to feature your post.
Donna Reidland says
Lauren, I ordered some of that cinnamon tea. It’s sounds like a great hostess or spur of the moment gift.
I, too, read Bev’s post with interest. I have thought for some time about how sad it is that we don’t think more about heaven. The Bible certainly encourages us to and tells us of the benefits of doing so. But I agree, at least until recently, we have made ourselves all too comfortable here.
Lauren says
I hope you ordered some for yourself, Donna. It is delish!
Donna says
Lauren I loved your post! You’re unapologetic about your feelings, I love that! I especially appreciated how you are so into Christmas and why. Thank you for the reminder of the reason for season!
Lauren says
Of course! Thank you for reading, Donna.
Jeanne Takenaka says
Ahhh, Lauren, this post made me smile so big. 🙂 You remind me of a dear friend of mine who begins listening to Christmas music in July. 😉 I love the verses and the insights you share here.
I’m so thankful that, even in hard seasons, Jesus is with us. His constant presence and unfailing love are an amazing gift to remember and celebrate any time of year!
Lauren says
I’m so happy to make you smile. And I’m oh, so thankful for Jesus as well.
ratnamurti says
Yes, so good to remember the real meaning of Christmas. But the rest of your post? Funny as – couldn’t stop chuckling xxxxx
Lauren says
I’m glad you got a chuckle and that the most important thing shined through. Thank you for visiting!
Tea With Jennifer says
I love your excitement about Christmas time Lauren, I have a stepdaughter who is similar!
I have found this time of the year difficult since my late husband passed away from a brain tumor close to this time. The difficult emotions creeps up on me each year.
Not the message of the reason for the season of course rather the social festivities & the emotional energy it takes out of me. So I know to be kinder to myself during this season 😀
Blessings,
Jennifer
Lauren says
I am so sorry that this time of year holds pain and grief for you. Praying right now that you find joy this year. And I’m glad to know you are aware of the self-care you need.
Laurie says
Ha! You and your sister were trendsetters!!! I have often wondered why we don’t sing Christmas carols in church before Christmas. I guess it’s Advent – not Christmas, but still…
Lauren says
We were something! Ha!
Maree Dee says
I love your spirit of Christmas. You had me smiling. Thank you.
Lauren says
I’m so glad, Maree!
Shelbee on the Edge says
Lauren, I love that you get that excited for Christmas! Your passion and enthusiasm are very contagious even to this grinchy girl! Thank you for sharing your light with the world! I hope you have the best Christmas ever!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Lauren says
You are so sweet. And I can understand how you would feel grinchy this year. I have too. I hope your Christmas is everything you hope for.
Yvonne Chase says
It’s good to know I’m not the only Christmas dork although I’ve never owned an ugly Christmas sweater. Am I really a dork then?:-) Without Christ, there would be no Christmas and that’s the best and most important part of it all. I decided that I’m going to keep my Christmas tree up this year until it falls down.
Lauren says
I like that Christmas tree idea, Yvonne!
Sharon Hazel says
I’d forgotten that I have a ‘Christmas jumper’ tucked away somewhere, this could be the time to get it out again! Great encouragement from your post, yes with Jesus we can ‘overflow’ with hope, for He is our hope! Pinned to share 🙂
Lauren says
Thank you so much, Sharon. And if you do get the jumper out I want to see a pic!