A Love Revolution

As the business of Christmas rolls in, trying to manage shopping, parties, your children's activities, family, traveling, cooking, etc. can add a lot of stress and anxiety to your already full schedule. There are a few things that help us keep perspective:

1. Keep it Simple. Pastor Jason challenged us all over the past two weeks to "keep it simple" with Christmas this year. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy festivities and parties, gifts and favors, but it does mean not overextending yourself to so many commitments that you cannot enjoy the true gift of Christmas: the Presence and the Love of God fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ.

2. Rest. You need rest, especially when you've added xyz to your usual schedule! Try to schedule down time in order for you and your family to hang out together. You don't have to do anything elaborate or overly planned. Watch a movie together. Sing Christmas carols karaoke-style. Try your hand at a game on that big-buck game system you bought for your kids. Make Christmas cards. Do something that increases your family bond and gives everyone a break from being "on."

3. Give. You may be thinking, "Wait, you just told me to cut back and hang loose." Well, it's no surprise but this is one of those times of year that people are expected to be overly stingy. It's our job as Christ-followers to counteract that all year long, but especially during this time when the world is pressing it so much. Give your love to someone who feels left out. Give your time to somone who's lonely. Give the joy of your smile to a stranger who is also feeling the pressure of the holidays and in doing so, you can keep Christ in your perspective of the holidays.

As we follow Christ's example in Acts 10:38: "... he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him."

God's Presence in our everyday lives empowers us to do good and show love to those who need it. Let's keep the Love Revolution going!