It’s Sunday night! Time to gear up for a new week. As always, the best way to do that is to PUT ON THE ARMOR OF GOD (Ephesians 6:10-18) but we also will focus on ONE area to strengthen our walk with the Lord. Just one focus to help us grow a faith that cannot fade with the demands of life and the pressures of this world. This week we will focus on SEASONAL JOY!

Let’s say it together: JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!

It’s easy to forget that; I’m guilty of it myself. Commercials and billboards and radio ads aren’t proclaiming THE KING IS COMING! They’re shouting 75% off and filling our heads with images that convey gifts equal love.

If you have a decent Christmas budget, you can easily get bogged down by time constraints, finding the perfect gift, shipping delays, and knotted ribbon.

If you don’t have a Christmas budget, you are more apt to fall into a depression or jealousy over not being able to produce the Christmas you see those around you having.

Perhaps your holidays are so filled with children’s performances, work parties, and social obligations that you barely have time to relax much less reflect on the season.

Look at your schedule for this week. Is it filled to the brim? Practically non-existent?

If there’s TOO MUCH, then look at what you can skip this year. Or leave early. Enlist help- a neighbor teen can help wrap or even babysit for a few hours. Make sure everything on your list this week is something that brings you JOY. And make sure to carve out some quiet time at least twice this week to sit back and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.

If there’s NOT ENOUGH, find some free holiday joy in your area. Most cities have free programs like Tree Lightings or Christmas Concerts. Make yourself get in the spirit of the season even if you can’t afford the bells and whistles of Christmas. Christmas gifts come and go in our lives but Christmas MEMORIES stay with us forever.