I’ve always been a bit negative about the Christmas season. There’s often such a lot to do in a short time: planning, shopping, baking; the list goes on. Everyone is rushing around. It just becomes too much. I just don’t seem to get into the holiday spirit, and I’ve often thought, “So what, there’s nothing wrong with that.”
But then during our church’s Christmas celebration, I heard something that got me thinking about my negative attitude, and I saw that it wasn’t good. Someone spoke about what a wonderful time of the year this was: how it was worth celebrating because of Jesus’ life. He ended with deep thankfulness for the holiday season.
Was I truly thankful for this season? God’s Word says that we should always be thankful, no matter the time of the year or what season it is. And in this time when we celebrate Jesus’ birth we should be even more thankful.
“God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NCV).
I began to think about Jesus and how His life of faithfulness and sacrifice is an example and help for me to live like Him, well-pleasing to God, every day. I thought about the sacrifice He made for my sake in coming down to earth as a man so that I could have eternal life. I thought about the goodness that I had experienced throughout the year from God, my friends, and family. Isn’t this worth celebrating and praising God for? How could I not be thankful for this time of year?
I changed my way of thinking, and I am becoming more and more thankful for celebrations where Jesus is honoured. I am becoming more thankful for the many little possibilities there are to bless others during this time of the year. Complaints and worries about everything that needs to be done make the holiday season depressing and dark. Thankfulness makes it light!
“Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest. For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (GNT).