It's December 1 and thirty two days from now, our YMCA's will be bursting with men and women anxious to start their New Year's Resolutions. Many will want trainers to forge ahead with the ideal fitness plan to help shed some holiday pounds. Others will just get back to a routine they left behind before Christmas chaos set in. Somehow, January 1 lends itself to a new start in life.
But what about a new start for Christmas? December 1 is a perfect time to consider making some Christmas resolutions that could change the way we approach the upcoming season. Come on, let's face it. The ushering in of December comes with a ton of expectations and feelings. Christmas provokes beautiful feelings of love, warmth, family, giving, romance, sharing and serving. However, Christmas is also a time that is hard for many. Loneliness. Financial challenges. Missing a loved one. Traveling. Family pain. Expectations too hard to meet. Life no longer like it once was.
As of this morning, our house is decorated with Thanksgiving colors, pumpkins outside, cornucopia and beautiful fall colors. By the end of the day, the orange will be exchanged for red, the decorative leaves for holiday decor and the furniture will be slightly rearranged to make way for the soon-to-be-bought Christmas tree. As I make way for Christmas externally with decorations, I have to ask myself "How am I making way for Christmas in my heart?"
In Isaiah 9:6, the prophet Isaiah proclaims "For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." It is Jesus' birth we celebrate! That's why we sing carols each year celebrating His coming! Jesus is the reason we celebrate this season in the first place! Perhaps we need to prepare our hearts even more than our homes for the advent of His birth.
Why not attempt to establish your own Christmas resolutions? A few ideas.... A family service project helping the needy. Reading the Bible each day to prepare your heart for Christmas. Planning family worship times together. Saying a special thank you to those who have invested in your life. Writing a thoughtful letter to your living parents or grandparents sharing your love for them. Making a resolution to greet people with respect and love each day. Making a resolution to pray before you eat. Making a resolution to slow down. Making a resolution to read the Christmas story this year. Determining to be a little more loving and a little more filled with compassion this Christmas. Just a few ideas to help you decorate your heart for Christmas.
I know that each year, in spite of the circumstances, that Christ would love to have a place in your heart, just as he did in that manger so many years ago. I'm so grateful that God is calling me to prepare for Christmas in my heart as well. The heart matters even more than the home. Are you ready? Christmas is coming! My resolutions are made. How about you?
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
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