Have a Comparison-Free ChristmasНамуна

"You've gained a few pounds." The dressing room mirror taunts. I shimmy my way out of that tight holiday dress, then throw it on the bench, so it knows it's done me wrong. Hopefully, the size tag is incorrect.

But the mirror starts talking to me again.

"Who are you trying to fool? How many pies did you have just a taste of on Thanksgiving? And, what about your secret rummaging through the kids' candy stash? Then there's what you ate at the office Christmas lunch. Need I go on?"

Stop! I've heard enough.

I won't fa la la la la around the issue. Christmas is not the most wonderful time of the year for my comparison issues, especially when it comes to my body image. I puff up faster than my neighbor's inflatable Frosty the Snowman. 

But, today, as I blare the Christmas music, a song I've heard and sung hundreds of times catches my attention. 

'Til he appeared and the soul felt its worth.

On the cold December days, when the dressing room mirror tells me I'm not good enough or the scale tells me I'm losing the battle, my soul can still feel worthy. Christmas frees me from needing their approval.

Because he appeared.

I don't need to compare myself to others.

Because he appeared.

I don't have to strive to match a certain standard of beauty.

Because he appeared.

I am free to enjoy the holidays knowing I am already accepted.

Only Jesus' birth defines my worth.

The fourth step to enjoying a Comparison-Free Christmas is to remember that you're already accepted and loved. 

You don't have to strive to become worthy. A perfect body, home, or Christmas spread won't earn you more love or acceptance from the One who matters most. Through sending his son Jesus to live, die, and rise again for our salvation, God has already proclaimed your soul's worth!

On that holy night in Bethlehem, God gave us the gift that frees us from the life of comparison, scarcity, and insecurity. John 10:10 reminds us that Jesus came so we could enjoy abundant life. Through Christ, we can pursue God's purpose for our lives without questioning if we're good enough.

As you read today's passages, may your heart's response be, "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift." (2 Cor. 9:15)

We hope you enjoyed this plan. For more resources on this topic check out Heather Creekmore's site called Compared to Who?