The Gift of December- Prepping for Christmas

Welcome to our December series- The Gift of Christmas.  I am so excited to have this series kicked off by a sweet friend of mine, Robyn, who blogs about her faith and family adventures at A Closer Walk!  You can also read about her Israel tours and book her to speak at robyncarrillo.net.  Our family met her amazing family when we first moved to New Mexico years ago and we were blessed to be in their Sunday School class.  It was there that we stepped our of our "Christian" shells and learned what is meant to be a Believer.  Our eyes were opened in so many ways and we thank God for their teaching and leadership.  I know without a shadow of a doubt our family would not be where we are today without having known them!  I love how God works!
So, thank you Robyn for the time spent pouring into our lives and for guest posting for me today!
********************************************************************

Do you look forward to playing Christmas music and setting out Christmas decorations? A lot of work goes into planning, prepping, cooking, buying and wrapping to make Christmas a beautiful and fun holiday.

This year, I questioned if I plan and prepare for the right reason. Instead of spending all my time on the tasks of physically setting the stage for the big event, like Martha did. I need to sit and prepare my heart like Mary did, at the feet of Jesus.

In preparing our homes and our hearts for Christmas, I’ve made a short to-do list.

1. Outside lights

2. Inside aroma

3. Gift bags vs. paper and bows

1. Climbing on the roof and untangling the strings of lights is not a fun task. I usually find an excuse not to participate in this part. We can’t do everything, right? I opt out of the rooftop, extension cords, replacement light bulbs chaos part of the decorating. I prefer to leave in the morning and return after it is finished when my job is to ooh and aah at the results.

I wonder how often I opt out spiritually. There is only one person who can untangle the sin attitudes and actions that have crept up in my life. I love what they do on the Jewish Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur. They write down the sins of the previous year, bring them to the Lord, then burn them as a symbol of repentance and forgiveness.

In preparing for Christmas, I want to evaluate the thoughts and actions I need to ask the Lord, and perhaps others, to forgive me for. Let’s not rush into traffic, long lines and busyness with a frustrated, get-out-of-my-way attitude. Jesus came to bring us peace. Although there has not been much peace on earth, the Holy Spirit can give us peace in our soul, if we surrender our agenda, and ask Him to fill us with His love and joy for others.

2. I love the cinnamon, pine, and sugar cookie smells. Those smells can waft from time spent cooking and baking, or I can take the short cut and buy candles and diffusers. The Bible says our prayers are a sweet aroma to the Lord. I want to spend time reading His word and talking to Him daily, praying and praising Him, especially this month as we remember His birth. I don’t want to short cut my time with Him because of the busyness of the season. Like Brother Lawrence said years ago, the busier he was, the more time he spent in prayer.

3. Gift bags are so practical: no scissors, tape, ribbons, or mess. Yet, the beauty and thoughtfulness of a perfectly tied bow on matching paper is always a treasure. I want to show love to my family and friends with practical gifts and plates of cookies. But isn’t the real treasure spending time with them, actively listening, and taking opportunities to tell them how special they are and how much God loves them? This month can be stressful as we worry about our budget and spending extra money on things. A truth I’ve realized recently is; words are free. It cost nothing to compliment, bless, encourage, and speak kindly to others. In the rush and rudeness this month can bring, it is a beautiful treasure when people smile and speak thoughtful, kind words, whether at home or standing in a long line.

During this first week of December can we take a few minutes to

prepare our hearts?

1. Untangle our sin attitudes and ask for forgiveness.

2. Spend time daily reading God’s Word and praying in the aroma of the real meaning of Christmas.

3. Choose to be a treasured gift to others through our time and our words.

Wishing you heartfelt blessings as you prepare your heart for Christmas.

Robyn