Reason for the Season

  The holiday season has arrived.  This season more than any other creates a lot of stress.  Sometimes the reason is that we are trying to meet the expectations of the world.  Regardless of the origins of celebrations during this winter holiday, you can set the “reason for the season” within your own family or small group.  Before it all gets off and running, sit down in a quiet place and pray for God to guide your planning and to strengthen in your decision making. 

  Remember always why you want to make this a special time of year.  Is your reason for festivities to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ?  Although there is much speculation about when He was really born, Christians in many parts of the world celebrate His birthday on December 25.  If you and your family “choose” to join this tradition, you may find that the more you choose to honor Christ in all your activities, the less stress you will experience.

  Rather than be swept away by the materialism that overshadows the entire season, decide ahead of the hullabalou how you and yours will make this a special time to remember the Savior.  The world may  be telling you that you need to shop everytime the new batch of fliers arrive, spend more money than your budget allows, and attend a plethora of holiday events, but the choice is up to you.

  Gradually replacing worldly traditions that are hyped by commercials that start the minute the Halloween candy runs out, will enrich your holidays this year and years to come as your children pass on what you have started.