Any big plans for the holidays?
What seems like an innocent question can open up a whirlwind of emotions for a person. Celebrating and enjoying the holidays with loved ones is a privilege that so many get to experience. Families near and far come together and get to share that deep rooted love that they have for each other. Memories are shared, gifts are exchanged and food is eaten all while being surrounded by family and friends. For most, the holidays are a time to forget about the toils of daily living and just focusing on the celebration.
The last quarter of the year brings in the holiday cheer and it can also be a reminder of how so much has changed. This year of 2023 has brought about many changes for a lot of people. Globally, there are destructive wars taking place and uprooting so many people in multiple countries. It can be difficult to be festive while our brothers and sisters across the globe are fighting and living in fear. Our news show us the death and harm of so many people. So how can we have joy when this doesn’t feel like joyous times?
Satan would love nothing more than to shake us and put fear in our hearts. We have to keep our hearts and minds wrapped up in the things of God.
Matthew 24:6 says, “And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” There is nothing on earth that God doesn’t see. We are currently watching as the world waxes cold and more people become blinded by satan. We are to stand steadfast and unmovable by the tricks of the enemy. Now is the time to draw closer to God and experience salvation. In doing so, we are able to gain a peace that is only obtainable through Him. Prayer is also a powerful tool for the children of God and let us do it boldly. We pray for those who are being hurt by war and corruption. We pray against satan and his attacks on the people of this earth. We pray for strength for our brothers and sisters working to be safe across the world.
Maybe the holidays are a reminder of the loss of a loved one. When we lose someone we also no longer get to encounter the way in which they uniquely loved us. Their physical attributes are no longer accessible and the lack of presence is a heavy fog the can permeate our hearts. There is a loss of love, memories and sometimes even traditions. Overtime grief can become easier to manage but what about when grief has a grip on your heart?
It may be hard to understand due to the heaviness of grief but we can not allow the enemy to choke us with our own emotions. Facts can defeat feelings when it gets too tough to fight. We are loved by God. This is a fact proven by His willingness to give His only Son so that we may have a life free from sin. Grief is a heavy burden that we don’t have to carry for long if we put our hope in God. 2 Corinthians 4:16 tells us that don’t lose hope even though our bodies are dying because our spirits are being renewed every day. Ya’ll, death is a part of life and if we’re blessed enough to experience love, we will also experience loss. Death comes for everyone on earth. We are all moving towards the end of our journey here on earth. Our eternal life should be our focus because everything on earth is temporary and ever changing. The young become old and summer becomes autumn. However, what doesn’t change is Jesus. "Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever more."-Hebrews 13:8
There are many ways to get through this difficult holiday season. Every way begins and ends with Jesus. If you have to take time for yourself, take it. Maybe you want to continue previous traditions or even start new ones with your family and friends. It could even be beneficial to give yourself a break from the news. Whatever it may be, start it with a prayer. It can be said confidently that God does not want us to suffer and He does want us to be saved. For those who are excited for the holidays, we urge you to reach out to those around you and encourage and strengthen others who are in need of a reminder of the goodness of our God.
Dear reader, we would like to leave you with a prayer:
Heavenly Father, there is no one greater than You and we glorify Your holy name. We are grateful for this time on earth because it means another chance to be better and to spread the word of Your goodness. Thank you for the way You take care of us. Now Father, we bring the reader before You and we ask that You draw them closer to You. We ask that You soothe hurt hearts and strengthen broken spirits. We ask that You reveal yourself to the reader so that they may experience the fullness of You. We ask that You put a hedge of protection around Your people across the world who are experiencing hardship because of wickedness. Send Your angels to protect those who cannot protect themselves. We need You Father. Whatever words we cannot express outloud please search us and see our hearts' cry. We cannot make it without You, Lord. Pull us closer to You. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Comments