We read in Luke 2:20 that after hearing the good news that their Savior had been born “The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.” How did the shepherds respond to Jesus’ arrival? They celebrated! From this passage we learn that Christmas is a time for celebration! But what you focus on determines whether you celebrate or survive Christmas. Those who survive Christmas focus on all the negative aspects of Christmas:
- the financial strain buying so many presents brings
- having to interact with family you have a strained relationship with
- no parking spots at the mall
- long lines in the stores
- the exhausting work of decorating, cleaning and cooking
Emotionally, we steer where we stare, so it’s so important to focus on the right things. Instead of focusing on all the negative aspects of the holiday season, we need to remind ourselves of all we have to be thankful for – namely Jesus! In my next post on Thursday I’ll show you more specifically how to do this.