A Different Kind of Christmas

 

By Andrea Merrell

Commit to the Lord whatever you do,

and he will establish your plans.

Proverbs 16:3 NIV

Six days until Christmas. So much to be done. My to-do list taunts me and seems to grow longer instead of shorter as I check off finished tasks.

The truth is I’ve never been so unprepared for this holiday in my entire life. Between health issues, appointments, events, and trying to coordinate everyone’s schedule, it has been impossible to make a definite plan.

With my son and daughter well into their forties, this will be their first Christmas—along with my six grandchildren—when we’re not all together on this special day. Trying to fix this has caused nothing but stress, anxiety, and a cluttered mind.

But God—as always—has a better way. Instead of focusing on my to-do list and all the complications, He invites me to turn my attention completely to Him—the first and only reason for the season. His presence alone can unclutter my thoughts and give me peace.

He tells me to seek Him first, then He will handle the details. He tells me not to worry about tomorrow because it will take care of itself (Matthew 6:33-34). He says if I will trust Him and keep my thoughts fixed on Him, He will keep me in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). And Proverbs assures me that if I commit everything to Him, He will establish my plans (16:3). And whatever God plans is always perfect.

Yes, this will be a different kind of Christmas for our family, and that’s okay. No matter how and when we celebrate, we will  experience His amazing peace, joy, and love whether we’re all together or not.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful, stress-free holiday.

Merry Christmas!

 

Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash

TWEETABLE

If your Christmas plans aren’t working out the way you’d hoped, commit them to the Lord. He will establish your plans and bless you will peace,joy, and His amazing love. Merry Christmas! via @AndreaMerrell (Click to tweet.)