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Christmas

Preparing Your Heart for Christmas (Part 1)

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ. 

But for many people, it’s also a season filled with unrealistic expectations and a too-long To-Do list.

How do I find the perfect gifts? Will my holiday meal be good enough? 

Shopping, wrapping, planning, cooking, and more. How will I get it all done?

Before the frenzy starts—or maybe in place of it this year—maybe it’s time to take a minute to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.

And PREPARE our hearts for Christmas Day. That’s what Advent is all about. Preparation of your heart, not just your home, for the most wonderful time of the year.

So, let’s take a journey. An Advent Journey. From where you are today, to the wonder of Christmas and beyond. From expectations to expectancy. From stressed to grateful. And from worried to worshipful.

In this four-part series (posted every Sunday leading up to Christmas Day), I will share inspiring excerpts from Ruth Chou Simons’ new book, Emmanuel: An Invitation to Prepare Him Room at Christmas and Always.

Emmanuel means “God with us.” With us. Not far away. Close. Personal. Loving and good.

Bestselling author and artist, Ruth Chou Simons, explores Advent—preparing our hearts for Christmas—in a way that helps us to experience God’s close presence in our lives every day. Not just at the holidays.

To begin, Simons says, “How we enter this season affects how we will receive this season. Let’s realign ourselves with the true hope of Christmas, and reposition ourselves with a heart posture that is ready to receive all that is intended for us in this Advent season.”

And she clarifies the difference between expectations and expectancy:

Expectations leave us weary and discontent, believing we deserve more or better. They always leave us unfulfilled and doubtful about whether God is for our good. 

But expectancy is anticipation mingled with joy. It’s believing God is who He says He is while waiting patiently for His good to be revealed, however He chooses to reveal it…

When we come to the Christmas season with an expectant posture, we’re led in hope—like with wise men led by the star. Expectancy sets our sights on God’s promises rather than the empty pursuit of all that cannot truly satisfy in this season.

When we turn from expectations to being expectant, we will never be disappointed because God never disappoints. What He promises, He will do.

God is faithful! And loving and so good.

Take a moment to ponder and pray:

PONDER
Are you more consumed with expectations
in this season, or with anticipation
for how God has fulfilled—and will
continue to fulfill—His promises?

PRAY
Dear Father,
We praise You for all You have done and all You have yet to do.
Help us to long for You alone rather than the expectations
and desires that do not satisfy. Realign our hearts according
to Your Word, that we might have a heart posture
ready to receive Your provisions.
And when we’re tempted to bend toward our earthly desires
and ways of thinking, teach us to recount Your faithfulness
and remember that You are God. While we wait
for Your purpose to be revealed,
while we look to Your Word,
soften our hearts to trust You
instead of ourselves. Amen.

Let the Advent journey begin!

 

–Excerpts from Emmanuel: An Invitation to Prepare Him Room at Christmas and Always. By Ruth Chou Simons (Harvest House Publishers, 2022)

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How to Get Along with Difficult Relatives Over the Holidays

Ah, family. Sometimes it’s not easy to gather with those we love. Especially when people can become argumentative, difficult, or downright mean.

So, how can you get along better with relatives that you LOVE, but don’t always LIKE? Here’s practical help and inspiring hope from author, Cynthia L. Simmons. She offers some good insights in her guest blog post today.

Nothing ruins special occasions faster than a family squabble.

We all prefer what James called “wisdom from above” so your family time can be…“peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits.” (James 3:17).

Let’s consider some helpful relationship tips from God’s Word.

1. THINK LIKE JESUS. First, the Apostle Paul offered a powerful suggestion when he commented we should think like Jesus. 

Based on Christ’s unselfishness, Paul said to “let each of you regard one another as more important than himself.” (Phil. 2:3) 

In other words, consider the needs of that difficult person. Like you, he or she bears the image of God, so find ways to show respect and kindness. For instance, plan on cooking a dish the person likes or suggest a game he or she prefers.

2. SET AND ENFORCE BOUNDARIES. Second, set boundaries and enforce them to ensure peace. Make plans to diffuse tension with your husband or another person you trust. You might use a signal that communicates a need for transition. 

For example, my grandmother lived with my mother for years. Before we visited, I warned my husband she would favor the boys. She would offer my sons gifts while informing my daughters she had nothing for them. My husband stepped in and refused all her gifts while guiding the children out of her room.

3. LOVE and PRAY. Third, Jesus said, “…love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.” You might think this verse applies to an extreme situation, but I have discovered praying for someone softens my heart. 

The Lord gives me insight into that individual’s personality and makes me see their emotional vulnerability. Instead of responding in frustration, I can temper my words with kindness and compassion.

4. BE QUICK TO HEAR AND SLOW TO SPEAK. “Let everyone be quick to hear and slow to speak.”(James 1:19). 

People enjoy talking about themselves and may not notice your silence. You might discover hurts you weren’t aware of, or you could find a topic you both enjoy. On the other hand, avoid irritating topics.

5. DON’T LET EMOTIONS ZAP YOUR JUDGMENT. Fifth, don’t let your emotions zap your judgment. Paul the apostle said, “Be angry, and yet do not sin.” (Ephesians 4:26). 

Past hurts can flare up and make us want to say hurtful words. I have felt that way, and it’s hard not to explode. Ask the Lord to help you leave all those wrongs in his lap. That is such a relief. 

Also, know that fatigue makes you more vulnerable, so [if possible] excuse yourself when you get tired.

With prayer, careful planning, and listening, you can still enjoy the holidays despite challenging relatives.

***

For more information, connect with Cynthia L. Simmons at clsimmons.com

 

Photo: Libby Penner, Unsplash

 

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The Absolutely Wonderful, Life-Changing Truth About Christmas



Christmas. For many, it’s the most wonderful time of the year.

You know those happy folks: they can’t get enough of the twinkling lights, tree decorating, holiday baking, Hallmark holiday movies, gift giving and general festive merriment.

For others, it’s a sad time. Those who have lost loved ones—through death, divorce, or other means—often find it hard to find joy in the season. They’re feeling lonely or depressed, and can’t wait until it’s all over and the last sprig of mistletoe is packed away for another year.

Single and single again adults sometimes have a tough time during the Christmas season. For help and hope, read How to Survive the Holidays for Singles.

Sure, there are gifts and gatherings, carols and eggnog, decorations and stockings, but the JOY comes from remembering the birth of Christ, the Light of the World. Hope for all Mankind.


An angel appears to a young Mary, engaged to Joseph. Mary becomes pregnant by the power of the Holy Spirit. A mystery. A virgin birth.

Then, an angel appears to shepherds in the fields tending their sheep at night. That must have been a sight! The dark sky lit up by an angel telling them that the Christ child had been born. And the shepherds hurried to see the new baby.

Later on, kings visit the child and bring gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. They followed a bright star and came to pay honor to the King of kings.

Read the story in Luke 2.

The absolutely wonderful, life-changing truth about Christmas is that we can celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ—a baby in a manger who grew up and changed the world forever.


He is our LIGHT in the darkness (of darkened hearts and difficult times)

He is Immanuel, God WITH us. Not distant or far away. Here. With you.

He showed us how to live and LOVE each other.

He is our Savior. Christ died on Cross and rose again from death to life—victorious and alive! Why? To pay the price needed to redeem us (free us) from our sins and enable us to live forgiven and free.

Love came down to Earth to show us the way.

Eternity stepped into time so we could understand—and live forever with God, the One who loves us most. Joy on Earth, and forever in Heaven.

That is a fantastic reason to celebrate: God and sinners reconciled! The best gift ever. Joy to the World! The Lord has come.

The Christ child changed everything.

So take a read of this poem I wrote about the true meaning of Christmas. May it bless you and all you choose to share it with.


What is Christmas?

Christmas is where it all began,
An infant child who became a man.
Eternity came down so we could understand,
The child of Creator, the true Son of Man.

He was not unexpected, for the prophets foretold
The events that had happened would surely unfold.
Four hundred years later the miracle came,
The star over Bethlehem shone where He lay.

They came to attend Him from near and from far,
The shepherds and wise men who followed the star.
All were rejoicing that first Christmas night,
At the child of a virgin, a humbling sight.

So, what is the meaning of that first Christmas night?
Simply, He came to make everything right.
For the Child had a purpose in coming to Earth.
He came as a light and to give us new birth.

He gave us forgiveness and paid with His life.
What kind of love would pay such a price?
For death could not hold Him; He rose from that grave.
And freedom and life were the gifts that He gave.

No longer divided, no longer alone,
Because of His love the wall had come down.
Live free forever! O, what a gift!
Both now here on earth and forever with Him.

Wise men and angels followed Him then.
Wise men still seek Him, again and again.
— Jackie M. Johnson

May you still seek Him—and find the life-giving love, joy and peace of Jesus Christ at Christmas and always.

Merry Christmas!
Jackie

Resource

If you’re stressed or depressed, this book is packed with help and hope and short, relevant prayers you can pray on a variety of topics in tough times: Praying with Power When Life Gets Tough By Jackie M. Johnson




Photo credit (Christmas tree): Jonathan Borba, Pexels


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What is the True Meaning of Christmas?

Have you been wondering what Christmas is really all about?

Love came down at Christmas. God with us. Immanuel. He came near. Not far away. Present.

To people waiting in darkness, Christ brought true life and light, freedom and peace.

The baby in a manger is the Savior of the world.

He came for you. For me. For all mankind.

The best gift ever!

Here is a short poem about the true meaning of Christmas for you to read and share with others:

What is Christmas?

This is where it all began…
An infant child who became a man.
Eternity came down so we could understand,
The child of Creator, the true Son of Man.

He was not unexpected, for the prophets foretold
The events that had happened would surely unfold.
Four hundred years later the miracle came,
The star over Bethlehem shone where He lay.

They came to attend Him from near and from far,
The shepherds and wise men who followed the star.
All were rejoicing that first Christmas night,
At the child of a virgin, a humbling sight.

So what is the meaning of that first Christmas night?
Simply, He came to make everything right.
For the Child had a purpose in coming to Earth.
He came as a light and to give us new birth.

He gave us forgiveness and paid with His life.
What kind of love would pay such a price?
For death could not hold Him; He rose from that grave.
And freedom and life were the gifts that He gave.

No longer divided, no longer alone,
Because of His love the wall had come down.
Live free forever! O, what a gift!
Both now here on earth and forever with Him.

Wise men and angels followed Him then.
Wise men still seek Him, again and again.
— Jackie M. Johnson

This Christmas, you can become a Christ-follower too. You can know God’s love and forgiveness, and His freedom and peace in your own life. And the certainty of life forever with God after this life ends. Pray this prayer, and life will never be the same.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for your amazing love for me. You came, as a baby to Earth, and showed us how to love each other. You give us new life, salvation, forgiveness of our sins and wrong-doings. I ask that you would come into my heart and be my Savior and Lord. I choose to follow You and your loving, life-giving ways. Cleanse me, fill me and make me new–from the inside out. I ask, believing, in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Photo credit (baby): Daisy Laparra, Pexels

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How to Survive the Holidays for Singles

Hi friends,

This is a holiday favorite blog post, originally posted on my singles blog, Living Single. Enjoy and be blessed!

Ah, the holidays—the time of year when many singles are often more intensely aware of their singleness, especially if they are uncoupled.

If you’re unmarried, most likely you’ve had to dodge that perennial question from prying relatives or friends at holiday gatherings: “So, why are you still single?”

Or, maybe you’ve had to deal with the office party dilemma when you don’t have a date to bring to your company’s Christmas event and the “plus one” on the invitation blinks at you like tree lights gone awry.

For some singles, the Christmas season tends to exaggerate feelings that are simmering all year long. It’s a time to connect with loved ones and you feel anything but connected. Suddenly everyone around you seems to have a significant other or spouse and you feel so very solo.

Solitary.

Alone.

What Others Do

A friend of mine said she misses someone with whom she can share the season—like watching Christmas movies together, ice-skating in the park or going to Christmas parties as a couple.

Another friend said she feels a twinge in her heart when the pastor closes the Christmas Eve service with an admonishment to “Go and spend time with your families.” Yeah, thanks, but I don’t have one.

Of course, some people have their family of origin—their parents and siblings—with whom they gather for the holidays, but for others the cost to travel to points far away is simply unaffordable. Or they don’t get along with their family members.

Recently, a guy I know said that he couldn’t wait until the holidays were over. He’s just trying to endure the next few weeks.

I Feel Your Pain

I get it.

It’s not always easy to see happy couples kissing under the mistletoe or walking arm in arm down a snowy sidewalk—laughing all the way—to who knows where.

Yes, I realize that you may have unrealized dreams of having a spouse and a family, and you wonder: Where’s my husband to snuggle with by the fire or my rosy-cheeked kids to go sledding with on snowy Saturdays?

I hear you.

Enjoy, Not Just Endure?

Is there a way to enjoy the holidays, not just endure them?

I believe there is, and it begins with a change in perspective.

First, it helps to refocus attention away from self and onto our Savior. Christmas is not about us; it’s about the One who loves us most, God, who sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, as a gift. For you. For me. And for all who believe.

Instead of bemoaning your current state of singleness you can make new choices.

You may feel sad, or blue, or any other emotion—you have a right to your emotions. But don’t set up camp there; don’t stay there. Feel the pain, ask God to heal your heart, and then move forward allowing God to heal you in His timing.

Indeed, changes may not happen overnight. Surely, there is a time to grieve or feel miserable. But there is also a time to wipe away the tears, put on your coat and hat, and build some new Christmas memories.

And what do you know? Oftentimes, the joy returns and new hope arises.

You can stay cooped up in your apartment (or house or condo or cabin) alone, or you can get out and meet new people—or rediscover the ones you already know.

Find “family” where you can if yours is not available. My single friend Denise has often hosted a Christmas Day dinner for singles who have no place to go for the holiday.

Giving and serving others brings joy—not only to the people you help but also to you!

You don’t always have to give gifts; sharing a simple smile or a hello with your coffee barista or the clerk at the dry cleaning counter can make a difference. Some folks I know go to a local nursing home to sing Christmas carols or a soup kitchen to serve food and spend time with those who are often forgotten.

The Reason for the Season

Most importantly, draw near to the reason for the season: Jesus Christ. Reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and why we celebrate.

Remember the true story of the Christ child, the Son of God, who came to save the world and teach us how to truly live and love and have a better life. (Read Matthew 1 or Luke 2.)

Discover the love that changes everything. And you just may be amazed at what happens inside of you.

May God invade your heart with JOY—at Christmas and all the year through.

Merry Christmas to you!

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