What Will Mark Your Holiday Season?

One week away. Thanksgiving.

The season is about to roll.

And this morning, as I continue to prepare my heart for the holidays, I ask myself – am I ready?

Am I ready for the battle ahead? The battle for my heart?

The war for my affection?

This all started very simple, you know.

Pilgrims. Indians. Corn on the cob. Shepherds. A stable. Swaddling clothes.

Can I be content with the simplicity of Christ?

Just Jesus?

This season began because of Him. Now all we do, as Christians, is fight to keep Him in it.

Why is that?

I stand firm in my belief that consumer culture has laid claim on the holiday season. We have subtly been enslaved by the lie that “stuff matters.”

I sit this morning, reading Luke 2. Where all of this began.

The differences are startling.

As I read, I can’t help but think, “Lord, how easily I become the inn keeper. Too full.”

The only thing in haste that happened that Christmas night was when the shepherds went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in a manger. Luke 2:16Now most everything is in haste.

What culture puts on us during the holiday season and what Christ intends for us are polar opposite. One of which, however, will mark our holiday –

Culture: Frustration. Exhaustion. Chaos. Busyness. Debt.Christ:Joy. Peace. Simplicity. Blessing. Giving.This may seem all premature. But I am starting to feel it rise up already. Mid-November. Schedules are starting to fill, presents are being bought, preparations are being made.

The time has come.

To choose.

What will mark your holiday?

Culture or Christ?It will be a fight to the very end if you choose the latter.

It will take a lot of intentionality.

Preparing our hearts today… May this season be the most worshipful for you. The most Christ-centered. The most joyful. The most peaceful. Simple. Selfless and blessed.

Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased. Luke 2:14Therefore, since we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…Hebrews 12:1-2

The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7