Christmas Wrap Up: Two Families

When I saw this sign, I thought, this is true on two accounts.

First, today (Christmas) is a wonderful opportunity for family members to "get all wrapped up" with one another. For some families, that is easy. For others, it's tough.

Some families exude the kind of love and kindness that are the hallmark of this "hap-happiest day of the year."

I am so grateful for my own family members who selflessly care and pray for each other. They don't hold grudges. They respond rather than react. It is a joy to spend time with them ... and not only during the holidays!

Other families have to wade through the drama of past hurts and present bitterness. Times of joy together seems so impossible, such a sad struggle. Sad to say, I even see this in some Christian families who have never learned the power of forgiveness.

I encourage those who struggle with relationships not to give up! Figure out how to reach out ... and keep reaching out ... until those relationships are rekindled or restored. It truly would be the best Christmas present you could give one another.

A one-day holiday may not be enough time to accomplish this great task, but it is so worthwhile to make the choice to love. (A helpful resource is the book Choosing Forgiveness by Nancy Leigh DeMoss.)

But second, I'm also thinking today of the family of God.

I'm thinking that the the best—or at least, one of the best—gifts God gave to His children (Christ-followers) is a "family all wrapped up with one another."

I thank God today for my Christian family members. I am grateful for their encouragement. Their prayers. Their wisdom. Their counsel. Their love. And so much more.

It is because Christ came that we have this forever family.

And because of Him, we'll have an eternity to grow in our relationships together.

But even now, we can learn to model the character of God in our relationships.

There is great insight for relationship-building in Ephesians 5:1-21:

• We can learn to walk in love (5:1-2), just as Christ has loved us (John 13:34-35).
  
• We can learn to walk as children of light (5:8-10) in all that is good, and right and true (Philippians 2:15; 1 John 1:7).
• We can learn to walk in wisdom (5:15-17), using discernment (Proverbs 2:6; James 1:5, 3:13, 17).
• We can learn to walk in the Spirit (5:18), filled with the fruit of that relationship (Galatians 5:22-23).
• We can learn to walk in gratitude (5:19-20) with a joyful, worshipful heart (1 Thessalonians 5:18; Colossians 2:6-7; 3:17).
• We can learn to walk in humility (5:21), submitting to one another (Philippians 2:3-4).

In other words, we can make much of this marvelous gift God has given us — a family in Christ!

Merry Christmas to my Brothers and Sisters in the Family of God!

Are you part of God's in Christ forever family? If not, here is how you can become a Christ-follower.

Dawn Wilson, founder and President of Heart Choices Today, is the creator of three blogs: Heart Choices Today, LOL with God (with Pam Farrel), and Upgrade with Dawn. She is the Director of the San Diego chapter of Network of Evangelical Women in Ministry (NEWIM San Diego) and is a contracted researcher for Revive Our Hearts. She and her husband Bob have two grown, married sons, three granddaughters and a rascally maltipoo, Roscoe.

Don't Let It Be 'Just Another Christmas'

In this Christmas UPGRADE, Dawn Wilson asks us to pause to be sure we're thinking straight.

Another Christmas. Another opportunity to remember the birth of Christ and why He came.

We don't want it to be "just another Christmas."

And we don't want to jumble it up in our minds with other beautiful-but-lesser things.

Some time ago, Stephen Colbert joked about the mish-mash of Christmas hoopla in his wacky, "Just Another Christmas Song." Although he wrote it to make money and "help the Colbert Children eat," for me, the song also describes the confusion surrounding the holiday. As Colbert sang, "The manger's on fire, the holly's aglow; Hear the baby Jesus cryin' 'Ho, Ho, Ho'."

No, no, NO!

Christmas is a sweet time of blessing with families. Christmas is joy and feasting and all the holiday trimmings. But Christmas—at least as it's been celebrated for many years by Christians in the United States—is supposed to center on Christ.

Let's not confuse Santa with the One who created and sustains all things and holds them together! (Hebrews 1:3a; Colossians 1:16-17).

Jesus came, doing the will of His Father (John 6:38), which included many things:

• He came to redeem us from sin and back to Himself (Titus 2:14; John 3:16-17).
• He was born to be a ransom for us (Matthew 20:28).
• He came because we were hopeless sinners and desperately needed a Savior (1 Timothy 1:15; Luke 19:10; Mark 2:17).
• He came to be light in the world and lead us out of darkness (John 12:46).
• He came to give us abundant life (John 10:10).

There are many other reasons why Jesus came, and as we think about the love and grace of God toward us, we can celebrate His coming with fresh enthusiasm each year!

Let's not let the beauty and truth of Christmas get tossed away and forgotten like torn and discarded wrapping paper. 

In the joy of the celebrating with loved ones, let's take plenty of pauses in our busy holiday to thank God for the Amazing Grace of Christmas!

How will you insure that this isn't "just another Christmas" this year? Maybe you would like to join me in singing this Hillsong version of "O Come Let Us Adore Him."

Yes, Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning.

Jesus, to Thee be all Glory giv'n.

Word of the Father, Now in flesh appearing. ...

O come, let us adore Him—Christ, the Lord. 

 Dawn Wilson, founder and President of Heart Choices Today, is the creator of three blogs: Heart Choices Today, LOL with God (with Pam Farrel), and Upgrade with Dawn. She is the Director of the San Diego chapter of Network of Evangelical Women in MInistry (NEWIM San Diego). Dawn is the co-author of LOL with God and contributed "The Blessing Basket" in It's a God Thing. She and her husband Bob have two grown, married sons,

Ready or Not ... Here It Comes!

One of Cynthia Ruchti's goals in life is to hem people's lives with hope. In this thoughtful Christmas UPGRADE, she encourages us to prepare our hearts for the true, hope-filled meaning of this special day.

“I watched the TV show with fascination as the hungry, curious crowd waited out in the cold for hours for the restaurant makeover to be complete," Cynthia says. "But that’s not Christmas. It comes whether we’re ready or not.”

I (Dawn) must admit, it took me a long time to get ready for Christmas this year. Oh, I readied all the "fixin's" of the holiday, but in the rush ... 

I wonder if I've taken enough time to prepare my heart. 

Cynthia Ruchti continues . . . 

It feels as raw as a bitter December wind, but the sting comes from its inescapable truth. Ready or not, Christmas is coming.

I’ve aged out of my earlier years of Christmas frenzy—two or three cookie exchanges, an endless stream of events and holiday parties that often butted up against one another, the perfect holiday centerpiece/gift/tree/decorations/meal ....

I used to make handcrafted cards for all 140 homes on my Christmas card list, while caring for young children, serving at church, writing for radio, and making homemade gifts for the neighbors.

In some ways, I felt a little like Mary’s birthing coach as Christmas neared, begging her, “Don’t push! I’m not ready!”

I’ve trimmed all but the essential and most meaningful from that overcrowded list of Christmas preparations.

My heart had no opportunity to ready itself for Christmas when my mind was engaged in readying everything else.

The heart that wants to be truly prepared for Christmas in­cludes on the calendar only projects, activities, and special events cleared through, approved by, introduced by God.

A new opportunity is added only when there is clear confir­mation that participation will draw us closer to the heart of Christmas rather than pull us farther away from it, from Him.

Some who are now taking a different approach to filling (or trim­ming) their holiday schedules suggest we ask our­selves questions like these:  

• Will I be doing this out of a sense of obligation to other people or out of love for Jesus?
• Will my relationships with my family be strengthened or ham­pered and strained if I partici­pate?
• What will it cost them? What’s the ROI ("return on my investment") of time and energy?
• Can I miss this activity or oppor­tunity without serious consequences or a sense of loss?
• Am I convinced that it will strengthen my spiritual stamina?

Des­criptive of Christ’s birth, these familiar words also serve as guidelines for us in our spiritual preparations:

“Keeping watch over their flock..." (Luke 2:8b).

In other words, not neglecting the needs of our “flock”—our families. 

“Good tidings of great joy...” (Luke 2:10).

This is not losing sight of the truth that, ex­cept for His resurrection, the birth of Jesus is the highpoint in all of history. 

“Born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord...”(Luke 2:11).

 We realize His coming takes on very personal significance.

“Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us" (Luke 2:15).

We go straight to "Bethlehem," bypassing some of the social activ­ities and so-called obliga­tions of the moment. 

“But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).

What would happen this Christmas if we spent less time scurrying and more time “ponder­ing”? 

A cherished Christmas song says,

“Let every heart prepare Him room.”

What activity or obligation are you intentionally trimming from your list this year so your heart can be better prepared? Ready or not, here He comes!

Cynthia Ruchti tells stories hemmed in hopt through her award-winning novels, novellas, devotionals and nonfiction, and also through speaking events for women and writers. She and her husband live in the heart of Wisconsin, not far from their three children and five grandchildren. Connect with Cynthia at hemmedin hope.com and look for her new Christmas novella, An Endless Christmas.

Graphic adapted, Nativity crib, from Pixabay.

Christmas Joy—After the Wrapping Paper is Discarded

We sing “Joy to the World” this time of year, but in this Christmas UPGRADE, Kathy Carlton Willis reminds us it’s more than a holiday sentiment.

“You won't find joy gift-wrapped and under the Christmas tree, but it is a gift indeed,” says Kathy.“Without the birth of Christ which we celebrate at Christmas, there would be no authentic joy.”

I (Dawn) can remember Christmases when there was more joy than there were Christmas gifts, so I can see where Kathy is going in calling joy a Christmas gift. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!

Kathy continues . . .

There might be temporary bursts of happiness at Christmastime, controlled by surrounding circumstances, but there would be no true joy without Christ’s birth.

Joy can only come from the One who guarantees salvation, because with that, there is eternal peace of mind.

When Christ becomes real in our lives, we begin to pick up His mannerisms, and if Christ was anything, He was joyful.

It is one of those character traits I’m most thankful for receiving. The Holy Spirit living in me whispers joy to my heart and my mind when the outside world seems to be yelling negativity to me.

In times of crisis and conflict, joy produces a calm that cannot be explained. It allows a person to be more than just content, but actually excited about living life out loud. Joy gives its recipient an assurance that any unpleasant circumstance is only a temporary inconvenience that can be overcome victoriously.

A Christmas carol we sing says, “Joy to the world, the Lord is come!” That song speaks truth.

Joy came to the world in the form of the baby Jesus. Anything before that time was just an anticipation of the Christ Child’s appearance.

We who live after His birth get the full picture—the gift of grace and mercy—rather than having to offer our own sin sacrifices like God’s people did in the Old Testament. Christ’s life and death give us the completion of God’s gift to us, His beloved.

How can we not be joyful, when we consider this?

“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full” (John 15:11 KJV).

You’ll still have joy after the wrapping paper is discarded when you focus on the best gift of all.

Are you overwhelmed with parties, guest lists, gift wrapping, and tinsel this season? Or are you overcome with joy?

Kathy Carlton Willis shines for God, reflecting His light as a speaker at writer's conferences andwomen's retreats, and as an author - contributing to three books and writing hundreds of columns and articles online and in print publications. She has several books releasing over the next three years, includingGrin with Grace with AMG Publishers at the end of this year. She and her husband/pastor, Russ, live in Texas.

Graphic adapted, Image courtesy of nenetus at FreeDigitalPhotos.net. 

How to Have a Happier Family Christmas

Arlene Pellicane is all about the "happy" things in life—true joy that comes from knowing Jesus. In this Christmas and Parenting UPGRADE, she suggests five ways to enjoy the wonders of Christmas with our families.

"Sparkling eyes. Belly laughter. Soft giggles. These are just some of the joys of having a child in the house who is anticipating Christmas," Arlene says. "We have three children in elementary school. I remember when our youngest was a preschooler. She would sing 'Jingle Bells' but re-invent the words each time around. She loved running to the Christmas tree to be the first one to switch on the lights. And of course, when shopping, she would point to a toy and exclaim, 'Put THAT on my Christmas list!'"

It's been a long time since I (Dawn) had two little boys running around at Christmas, but do I ever remember the fun! Now, with three granddaughters, I feel like the fun started all over again. And I'm always looking for things to expand the joy!

Arlene continues . . .

I think Christmas is magnificent when seen through miniature eyes. Instead of focusing on to-do lists, baking and shopping, kids are searching for wonder. They’re looking for little surprises in stockings, brightly colored homes at night, and Christmas decorations on trees.      

The best thing we can do as parents is take all of this wonder and anticipation and point it toward the pinnacle of the Christmas season:  the birth of Christ. 

Before you put an activity on the calendar, ask yourself, “How does the time spent here magnify the Christ child?” That question may help you trim down your calendar in order to enjoy a calmer, Christ-centered family Christmas.

Make space for contemplation so you can follow Mary’s example in Luke 2:19:

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”    

Here are a few simple ideas to help you make Christmas a happier time for your children and grandchildren. As you have these experiences together, you too will enjoy the wonder of Christmas. 

1. Go to a little train or carousel in the shopping mall or park. 

Then add this musical twist. Give your child a bell to ring while she rides. Tell your child that Christ’s coming is worth announcing (like with a bell!). The other holiday riders should find it very festive and smile with approval. If not, just take the bells away after the ride is over and walk away quickly!

2. Take a walk around your neighborhood in search of Christmas lights. 

It’s fun to bundle up and have an adventure right past your doorstep. Vote on which house is the best overall, most creative, and personal favorite. Talk as you walk about how Jesus is the light of the world and how the light shines through the darkness.

3. Make or buy photo ornaments. 

Put your child’s picture in it and date the back. Any child gets a kick out of seeing his photograph on the tree. Cup your child’s face in your hands and say, “Jesus sees you on our Christmas tree, and He can see you every day, wherever you are!”

Add a new photo ornament each year and watch how your children grow, right on your Christmas tree.

4. Have a birthday party for Jesus.

Invite your family and maybe even a handful of friends. Read the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke and have the kids act out the different parts. Use scarves and coats to dress as shepherds, Mary and Joseph. A doll or stuffed animal makes a fine baby Jesus.

Enjoy a birthday cake for baby Jesus and celebrate His birth, the best birthday of all.

5. Create a hot chocolate bar with toppings. 

Stuck at home one night? Make the most of it with a hot chocolate extravaganza. Use whatever you have on hand for toppings: whipped cream, ice cream, sprinkles, cinnamon or chocolate chips. This point won’t be lost on your child: Jesus makes life sweet!

As you make special memories with your family, your children will understand that Christmas truly is the most wonderful time of the year. Fill your calendar with meaningful activities that will reach out to others.

When your family has something to look forward to that honors Christ, the season will come alive with joy.  

 What’s something you have done as a family that has worked really well to celebrate Christmas? 

Arlene Pellicane is a speaker and author of books including 31 Days to Becoming a Happy Mom and Growing Up Social: Raising Relational Kids in a Screen-Driven World (co-authored with Gary Chapman).  Arlene has been featured on the Today Show, Family Life Today, Focus on the Family, K-LOVE, and Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah. Visit Arlene at www.ArlenePellicane.com for free family resources including a monthly Happy Home podcast.