Christmas always brings up the horrible topic of procrastination. Many of us have great gift ideas and procrastinate until it is too late to follow through with the shopping. While you are thinking ahead to Christmas gifts and celebrations, you need to think ahead about some important things with God.
1. Think ahead about your actions at family gatherings. Make up your mind to reject temptation before you get to the party. Christians will be mixing with their unsaved family again for the holidays and it often brings up the old family temptations. Spending time with family is important. But remember, believers have been born again, adopted into the family of God. By faith you are an heir of Abraham. Stand up and be different. Be holy and pure. Don't compromise God's word and your morals just to fit in with family. Don't be wishy-washy, be a witness!
2. Think ahead about how to bless others outside your normal gift list this year. You may want to give to the Christmas benevolence project. You may want to help shop or deliver items to a needy family at church. You may want to contact an agency like Loving Hearts and adopt a family for Christmas. To be a blessing you need to make up your mind ahead of time.
3. Think ahead and talk with your family about creating fun Christmas traditions that can honor God and keep Jesus at the center of your Christmas. There is so much pressure at Christmas to do so many things. We have to plan gatherings, food, gifts, clothing, programs and travel. In all that busyness, it is usually normal for Jesus to get pressed out of the celebration of his life. Can you imagine your friends throwing you a birthday party, starting without you, and not realizing your absence until the party was almost over! Think ahead and make a tradition that keeps Christ in your Christmas.
I hope that thinking ahead will make your Christmas more merry, more peaceful, and more meaningful that ever before!
