Before we delve into any tips and strategies for your holiday self care, I want to wish everyone a very, merry, extraordinary Christmas! In a lowly manger, surrounded by animals and hay, a healthy baby boy named Jesus was born in Bethlehem. The ultimate Christmas gift given. Most of us are familiar with the verse John 3:16. I was able to discover God’s comforting words in a new way through The Passion Translation:
John 3:16(TPT)- For here is the way God loved the world—he gave his only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life.
On that silent, holy night, our savior Christ was born. Thanks to him, we were given grace, mercy, forgiveness, and atonement of our sins. Most importantly, we gained a love that no other can replace or come close to. As we reflect on this during this Christmas holiday, let us choose joy this holiday. Whether you’re surrounded by your family or chosen family, your friends, your spouse or partner, even your pet. The ultimate self care this Christmas would be for you to be mindful and present of those around you, meditating on the multitude of blessings that God has given freely to us, and to simply enjoy the holiday. Today, I’m challenging you to not think about the past or future this holiday, but to be present in the now.
While we are familiar with Christmas being about family and friends, some of us may not have that privilege. There are some with broken homes and estranged relationships. I am still inviting you to reflect on the gift that is Jesus Christ.
John 17:24 (TPT)- “Father, I ask that you allow everyone that you have given to me to be with me where I am! Then they will see my full glory— the very splendor you have placed upon me because you have loved me even before the beginning of time.
When we take a chance with Jesus, we see him for all he is. His loving kindness, his gentle touch that envelops our spirits, and the overall peace. With that being our focus throughout this Christmas weekend, even sitting on your couch with a cup of coffee watching Rudolph the Red-Nosed reindeer would make a wonderful Christmas. He has his hand extended to us, with his gift being His impenetrable peace. May we tap into it this year with our loved ones and the ones that may get to us at times, too. He’ll hold your hand through any uncomfortable or upsetting encounters that may arise. For those who may be spending this Holiday alone, he will be your family and give you good company. The reason for the season is love. Meditate on God’s gift to earth this season and I know that he will meet you there. I will leave you with the words from God’s own heart:
Psalms 34:8 (NIV)- Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.