Christmas Encouragement for MomsSample

The Memories Are All That's Left

I’m sad to say it, but last Christmas season, my husband and I had way too much “Grinch” (our hearts were three sizes too small), and way too little of the “good tidings of great joy” that is supposed to come during the Christmas season. We were simply stressed out and super tired, which we all know is a recipe for discord in any marriage. Preparing for Christmas is a lot of work, especially for the woman of the house, and I felt disappointed and sad.

The good news is that when I awoke on December 27th, God began a work in my heart. I repented and asked God to help me remember the good times and not dwell on anything that recently went wrong. My hubby and I talked about our bad attitudes and told each other we were sorry. We then started naming the blessings God had given us and all the ways He had answered our prayers. We finished our time together with a moment of prayer, thanking God for His goodness and our fun memories. The words of Psalm 9:1 came alive in our hearts.

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. (Psalm 9:1 ESV)

Yes, God has been good to us. Through thankfulness and focusing on the good, our hearts began to feel lighter as we reframed our memories from that Christmas. Now when I look back, I remember the sweet moments of our family playing games, laughing, and enjoying one another’s company, and celebrating the birth of Jesus together.

Reframing a memory with the help of the Holy Spirit is one practical way we can “Be joyful always, pray at all times, be thankful in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18a GNT). Reframing doesn’t say the event never happened, it just causes us to notice the goodness of God, no matter what we’ve been through.

I have heard that the process of reframing is similar to changing a picture in a picture frame. The frame is still the same, but the picture within the frame is different. Simply put, your situation hasn’t changed, but the way you look at that situation is different. When we change our view of a painful situation, it helps to heal our hearts, which leads to a more joy-filled and content life. Life will never be perfect; it will always be a mixture of good and bad.

One last thing: it’s important to remember we have an enemy who hates Christian families and will do whatever he can to cause division in yours. He will try to get you to harbor bitterness and unforgiveness in your heart against someone you love. He wants your memories of time with family, especially at Christmas, to be tainted with thoughts of disappointment and feeling offended by something someone said to you. Ask God to help you reframe any memories you may have and to forgive. Pray with a friend and then ask for accountability any time you start to complain or gripe about someone or something that happened.

What will you choose to remember about this Christmas?

With love and prayers,

Deb and the Help Club for Moms Team 

“And what happened then? Well, in Whoville they say that the Grinch’s small heart grew three sizes that day. And then the true meaning of Christmas came through, and the Grinch found the strength of ten Grinches plus two.” ~ Dr. Seuss

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