Curb the Frenzy

“The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.” (Psalm 126:3)

By the time October arrives, ideas and shopping trips for home decorations and gifts to exchange are well underway in many households. If not keenly on guard, preparing for holidays can consume our thoughts and time. One news commentator labeled this time of year as “holiday chaos,” and I thought, How sad. How did being thankful for God’s blessings and celebrating the birth of Jesus who died so we could have eternal life become labeled as chaotic?

We each determine whether November and December evolve into holiday frenzy rather than time set aside to acknowledge the “great things” the Lord has done for us. As you shop for and exchange gifts this year, focus on God’s gifts to us: Jesus (John 3:16), the Holy Spirit (John 14:16–17), gifts of the Spirit and people (1 Corinthians: 12–13; Ephesians 4:7–13), love, grace, forgiveness, freedom, and many more. His provisions meet and surpass our needs, and though our material gifts pale in comparison to God’s, we can give of ourselves and share our blessings with others which pleases our Father. Meditating on and basing our actions on God’s gifts can ward off holiday stress.

Enjoy this time of year with the warm and inviting fragrances, decorating, family and friend gatherings, and gift-giving, but keep the activities in perspective: Thanksgiving and Christmas are about God, the Sustainer and Provider of life, the Giver of all good gifts, not us.