Holidays with the Help ClubExemplo

Partnering with God this Christmas 

by Krystle Porter

As I consider Christmas and realize that Christ is at the very center, it beckons me to refocus my lens and make sure that He is woven throughout all I strive to do during Christmastime.

I adore holidays, especially Christmas. In our home, we celebrate with decorations and fun activities, and there is a general joy of anticipating what’s to come. I find though, that as my kids get older, I want to drown out all the “noise” of the holiday that keeps us engaged in the culture, and remember what we are really celebrating: Christ’s entrance into this world as our Savior! Now don’t get me wrong, I enjoy watching Elf, sipping hot chocolate, and making gingerbread houses as much as the next person, but if these take the place of honoring Jesus in my home (and they have some years!), my heart starts to feel heavy and uneasy.

In church one day, my pastor talked about “partnering with God” as we begin our day by saying, “Holy Spirit, help me today to partner with you in all I do.” I wondered how I could draw near to God in the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season. During the holidays, God gets lost in the never-ending to-do list. At times, my to-do list to create a perfect celebration trumps the celebration itself! I have it backward!

What if I started my Christmas season in a quiet space, with my heart turned heavenward, asking expectantly, “God, how can I partner with you this Christmas? What activities and gifts will lead my family to experience your entrance into this world more fully? How can my heart be turned to you this season?”

As you ponder this idea, imagine you are taking God’s hand and letting Him lead you this season. Push away feelings of measuring up, buying the perfect gifts, or setting the most impressive table. Set your eyes on Christ this Christmas, and as you partner with Him, His presence will bless your family with joy!

“Christmas can’t be bought from a store...Maybe Christmas means a little bit more.”
~ Dr. Seuss

*Be sure to check out day 7 of this plan for a link to  "10 Scriptures to Savor this Christmas" printable on our website and other resources related to this plan!