Unnecessary Pressure...

Do you feel the pressure of Christmas?
Do you feel the pressure of the parties?
Do you feel the pressure of buying gifts?

Is this what Jesus really wants?

I know the world has trained us to buy a bunch of stuff for Christmas,
I know the world has given us a pattern of party after party,
But is this what Jesus really wants?

Or are we falling into the unnecessary pressure that the world has put around Christmas?

"Do NOT be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

How does this apply to Christmas?

God warns us that the practices of this world will NOT always align with God's will.

So let me ask you this...

In the middle of all the eating, drinking, partying and purchasing,
How much are we really focusing on what God wants?

Is it possible to be caught up in a world tradition that has a small hint of Jesus but is 99% about shopping, eating, drinking and gifts?

I invite you to take a step back and look at the way the world is treating the birth of Christ.
How much of it is drawing us into closer REAL RELATIONSHIP with Jesus?
How much of it is drawing others into REAL RELATIONSHIP with Jesus?
How many Jesus conversations do you have during the holiday season?

I invite you to ask Jesus how He wants you to do Christmas this year.
Seek how He wants you to spend your time, money and energy.
Be ok with saying NO to things you normal would say yes to,
Be ok with being DIFFERENT,
Be ok to "NOT be conformed to this world",
Because Jesus didn't conform either.

"Dear Heavenly Father,

Show me what You want for Christmas,
Guide me on what to say YES to,
And what to say NO to.

Help me not get pulled into the traditions of man,
And forget You in the process.
Help me keep You at the forefront of my mind,
And recognize what has nothing to do with You.

Help me conform to YOUR desires,
And not the ways of this world.
I love You,
I praise You,
In Jesus name, Amen."

Cheers to taking unnecessary pressure off of you this Christmas!