A Holly, Hectic Christmas

Odds are, December is going to be the busiest month of the year for you. A brief look at my calendar reminds me that I have a lot to do between now and Christmas! But have you ever thought about how the Lord wants us to manage time and handle stress?

"Look carefully how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,

making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."

Ephesians 5:15-16

Don't waste this month running around in a frenzy! Make the most of your Christmas season. Try these things:

Shop, but Don't Drop
Ladies, don't spend all of your time this Christmas at the mall. Making memories with the family is much more important than buying everyone the perfect gift. Men, don't wait until the 24th to start. Pick out a good gift for your wife early this month (and ask her what constitutes a good gift!).

Make Christ-Centered Traditions
Santa is exciting. Setting up the tree is fun. Going to Grandma's is wonderful. But don't let your family fall into a Christless Christmas. Make a point to put Him in the things you do. Read Luke 2 on Christmas Eve. 'Give gifts to Jesus' by donating money to a Christian shelter or to World Missions. Pause on Christmas day and have everyone give one reason they love Jesus. Keeping Christ in mind will put both this holiday and your daily planner in perspective.

Share the Good News
"Make the best use of the time..." What other time of the year are Josh Groban and Celine Dion singing praises to Christ on light rock stations?! Use this amazing opportunity to tell your friends, your co-workers who Jesus really is. Explain the incarnation (God coming down to us) to your children. The wisest thing you can do in December is tell someone about your Savior.

Don't end your year stressed to the max. Take a little time today and put things in perspective before the month really gets into full swing. Make the best use of the holiday season... have a holly, not a hectic Christmas!