December presents a great opportunity to embrace reflection, embrace recharge, embrace refreshment, invest in relationships, and embrace giving a Merry Christmas to others.

1       Embrace Reflection

The clock is ticking for the end of this year, and the beginning of a new year. Stop. Step back. Take a few moments to look at the whole picture from the past eleven months and the coming twelve months.

Reflective Questions:

• How is my relationship with the Lord? Is there anything I need to do to take our relationship deeper in intimacy?
• How is my relationship with my significant other? Is there anything I can do to bless him/her today, this week, or this month to sow into our relationship?
• How is my relationship with other family members, church members, or neighbors? Is there anything which requires immediate attention or can it wait for the coming year to allow me a little down time?

2       Embrace Recharge

During the holidays, people choose what they will focus on during the month of December.

There are many opportunities for focus:

• Jesus
• Serving others
• Peaceful reflections
• Rest and recharge
• Chaotic nothingness

It may “feel” like we do not have time for ourselves, but we can carve out time for recharge. In some seasons of life, you may have to get up early or stay up late to get in a little time to yourself, but it is well worth it!

You can recharge at home or while in route to your holiday commitments.

• Play your favorite music when driving in the car to an event or preparing your house for guests.
• Take time for an early morning walk, afternoon stroll or evening excursion.
• Enjoy a hot cup of cocoa, eggnog or spiced tea.
• Take time to drive around and enjoy Christmas lights.
• Enjoy your favorite Christmas shows or family home movies.
• Take time to read a book, sew, paint, color, do woodwork – any hobby or interest that recharges your creativity.
• Take a nap or sleep-in during your holiday break time.
• Discover something new – visit a museum, attend a Christmas tree lighting, or drive to a neighboring small town and enjoy the scenery along the route and the quaintness of the small shops.

I recharge by enjoying a hot soaking-bath while listening to my audio-Bible, a great audiobook or praise music. This recharges my spirit, soul and body.

3       Embrace Refreshment

The Christmas holiday season brings many opportunities to embrace and celebrate God’s loving gift to us, and honor Jesus for His willing sacrifice for us. Refreshment comes in His Presence! Taking a few moments to reflect and recharge, allows God to refresh our spirit, soul and body.

In His Presence, we find pure love for our heart, spirit and soul. And we find thankfulness for a God Who is intimately acquainted with all our ways, loves and cares for us. As we bask in His love, and let His Holy Spirit fill us anew, refresh our souls, and give us His perspective regarding the people, places and events which surround us – we can live in that place of perfect peace.

“You will show me the path of life. In Your presence is fullness of joy. In your right hand there are pleasures forever more.” ~Psalm 16:11 WEB

“One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple.” ~Psalm 27:4 NASB

“You have said, ‘Seek My face [inquire for and require My presence as your vital need]. My heart says to You, Your face (Your presence), Lord, will I seek, inquire for, and require [of necessity and on the authority of Your Word].” ~Psalm 27:8 AMPC

“Where could I go from Your Spirit? Or where could I flee from Your presence?” ~Psalm 139:7 WEB

4       Embrace Relationships

December is a great time to get together with family and friends which helps us enjoy the holiday season. If performance stress comes knocking on your door – don’t answer! Your family and friends want you! A quiet, peaceful time or a fun, game-oriented time is better than a picture-perfect celebration. Focus on Jesus and your dear ones, not “stuff” and you will find a peaceful and recharging get together.

Christmas Eve candlelight services are a great way to embrace and celebrate the loving gift of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, together with our family and friends.

5       Embrace Giving to Others

December brings many opportunities to give to service ministries, especially to the homeless, but there are many who could use encouragement. Our church gathers food for the local food bank and tennis shoes for the homeless high school students in our area.

Here are several ideas for giving:

• Blood donation at the blood bank
• Canned food for the food bank
• Diapers for the crisis pregnancy center
• Socks or blankets for a homeless ministry
• Clothes or toys for the abuse shelter
• Dog food for the animal shelter
• Money for the Salvation Army bell ringers (Natural Disaster Relief)
• Christmas Cards – notes of encouragement for hospital patients, nursing home residents or prisoners

Just picking up extra canned goods, diapers, socks, toys, dog food, or Christmas cards for someone who is experiencing a difficult season – can go a long way in bringing much needed help and cheer.

Recommendation:

Home & Family – Strength with Dignity

References:

25 Bible Verses about Gods Presence. Retrieved November 10, 2022, from 25 Bible Verses About Gods Presence (NIV) – RANKED (reformedwiki.com)

Amplified Bible, Classis Edition (AMPC) Copyright 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation.

New American Standard Bible 1995 (NASB1995), copyright 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

World English Bible (WEB) by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.

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