In December the signs pop up that read “Jesus is the Reason for the Season.” I understand the point they want to make, but for me…
Jesus is the reason for every season!
Without Christ, I’d be dead. Without Jesus, I’d have no life. Jesus is the reason I live.
So Jesus is the reason for every season of my life—not just for Christmas.
However, over the past number of years in spite of joining a number of others making the declaration that “Jesus is the Reason for the Season,” the Christmas season has not always been the best for me.
Here’s why:
Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10 NASB).
In the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, the busyness and cares of this life began to consume me. When we get distracted and take our eyes off the reason, the thief is ready to step in. And step in he has.
The enemy has stepped into my life in the Christmas season with strife that robs our peace. Strife comes in through a myriad of ways. Conflicts with who is hosting Christmas at their home. Where to go. What to do. Who to see. Children fussing over what they want and expect to find on Christmas morning. What to buy…and that leads to the next one.
The enemy comes to steal our finances. In Christmas’ past, I confess, we have pulled out the credit card and charged our expensive gifts. This has cost us dearly. The debt out lived the gift. Even though the gift became outdated or broken and thrown away, we still worked at paying it off and even added the following years Christmas debt on top of it.
And the enemy comes to destroy our health by enticing us into gluttony. Gluttony is one of the few acceptable sins in the church. I know this from personal experience as I’m a glutton in recovery. Food, food, food. Rich delicacies everywhere we go—work, parties, and even while out shopping. Come January all the fitness centers are full of people working to lose the holiday ten (plus) pounds.
I’ve found that during the Christmas season, if I truly keep my eyes on Jesus, really focus on Him, with my heart and not just with my mouth, then He gives us the abundant life. And during the holiday season I can experience peace instead of strife. I can stay out of debt and give only what I can afford. And lastly, I can eat without giving myself over to gluttonous behaviors.
Jesus is the reason for every season.
God Bless and Merry Christmas!
© 2014 Shonda Savage
I love this Shonda. In a world that has become too materialistic we tend to forget the real reason for we celebrate Christmas. We all need to be reminded that Christmas is about Christ not about giving gifts and receiving them. God willing one everyone will realize this one day.