The Crass-ness of Christmas

I tried not to post anything negative especially during the holidays. People are going through enough not to hear my ranting about what I think this holiday has become over the years. I don't really need to write about it too ? You see it too - right? Where is the love? What has happened?

My whole life Christmas has been a day to market simply everything. If there is not one commercial after another then its hearing your relatives go on and on about what they want rather then finding out what more could they give. If that's Christmas for them, then fine. What more can one say? Hearing that Jesus is the reason for the season has become as cliche as Jingle Bells.

I woke yesterday morning saying, "Happy Birthday Jesus", knowing what the day held for me. There was cooking to be done, I had 2 afghans to finish crocheting and all of the conversation from my children and grand child. Its family. Its what the holidays bring and what some yearn for. The dinner was nice but not as huge as Thanksgiving. I made that decision a few years back. I finished 1 of the 2 afghans and everyone seemed pleased with what they received in the form of presents. That always makes a parent happy. So if that all went well, I wondered what happened to the joy of Christmas for me.

To and from work for a solid week, I listened to nothing but Christmas music. It got to the point that by the time Christmas got here, I was thoroughly tired of Christmas hymns and carols. Maybe that's it. Before Halloween was over, Christmas decorations went up and I could hear them bleed Christmas music in the stores. I didn't really mind it much a few years ago, but if you listen to more then a few weeks of the same music, what happens? My mother used to say when using perfume, "a little goes a long way and too much stinks." Is that what happened to Christmas?

I noticed the nights were coming closer and closer. I saw that it was taking longer for the sun to rise. Was that normal, I kept asking myself. And what came to mind was the scripture where Paul says, you are able to tell the weather but not when the Lord is coming. That didn't make me feel any better.

My mother passed away last year around this time. Maybe that's what was making me feel so...blah. Holidays will never be what they used to be without her. This is true, but the Word tells me that there is a time for mourning and a time when mourning is over. Am I still mourning?

I work for a predominantly Jewish agency. For the most part, they really try to incorporate all faiths...well, as much as they can tolerate. Nevertheless, in looking over that attitude they have about Jesus, I have tried my best not to offend (no matter how much they offend me and what I believe). Am I tired of holding back or is it all culminating around me to the point of needing a vacation?

I suppose this is what many people go through in the holidays and too many times people have this panacea answer that's supposed to wash over you and make it all disappear. Well, in Christ, I always thought it was supposed to and if it lingers that's the fight of faith the Word tells us about - isn't it? We are wrestling not against flesh and blood. So if all of those who don't know Jesus and those who do and don't care what they say, are the ones we are to influence for them to inquire about Jesus, I guess we are failing miserably. With all of the crap that's going on, it is possible in losing sight of what the holiday is all about. If the Holy Spirit never gave us that unction, we would be writing Merry X-mas or saying Happy Holidays like everyone else. I said Merry Christmas to a few people because I was surprised how many days had passed and I had not heard it once. You would be surprised how long it took before the grunts stopped and the hesitations came to order before I heard the greeting back.

Still, God has been good to me. I am here and in good health along with my children. I pray for those who spitefully use me and for those who still have not accepted Him as their Lord and Savior. In this way, Christmas remains what it is: Happy Birthday Jesus!!!

Don't Hire The Problem

This time of year, the decision to live one sort of way or the other never seems to be more prevalent then to say yes with a resounding voice, choose life!

In this season of joy, giving, and delighting in seeing the wide eyes of the children, there are those who have either suffered a loss, dealing with trauma, or haven't sufficiently recuperated from whatever has happened in the past. Take some comfort in knowing, you aren't alone. Singles have the same issues as well and has stumbled onto a "strange' path in dealing with the matter. You can read about that here (Make It Plain Lenora).

Nevertheless, for you, the mature true believer (whether single or not), you have studied, you have prayed, you have asked God, yet you still don't have that Christmas Spirit. The solution is simple though some would think that the weight of the problem demands so much more. Its as easy as considering your ways (Psalm:119:59, Proverbs 4:26, Haggai 1:5-7 AMP)  .

Before you click over to something that's going to tickle your ears or comfort your flesh (2 Timothy 4:3 KJV), just meditate on that for a moment. There is a root to what you are going through (Matthew 15:13 KJV). If you take just a few minutes, this journey could be a profitable one (1 Corinthians 16:12 AMP).

There was a plus sized model that had been hired by the most famous modeling agency in the world. She was in high demand having fashion designers calling on a constant for her to be their shows. From New York to Milan to Paris, she was in high demand and enjoying every minute of it. then one evening as she was coming off of the runway and about to change into another outfit, she heard a fashion reporter say, "she has such a beautiful face, if only she could lose about 30 pounds everyone would want her." The comment caused her to turn to see who said it, while doing so, she lost her footing and stumbled. As she was helped up, she looked to see who it was, but there were so many people back stage, she just couldn't tell. Once changed into the new garment, the stage designer whispered to her, "smile, you look fabulous!" She thought she was smiling. When she stepped out onto the runway, the audience oohed and applauded. The designers saved their best fashions for the end  and she was always chosen to wear the best designs. Yet the model was still contending with what she still needed to do to be the best in her career - lose 30 pounds.

The point to this scenario and the title of this entry is for you to watch who you hire (Ephesians 6:18 AMP). When an employer looks to fill a position, he/she does so because there is a problem. The position was created to resolve the problem. Having that particular job available means a solution has been in place. The employer asks questions to make sure the candidate is well qualified to handle the task. He/she doesn't deliberately try to hire more problems. The well qualified candidate might find other things that can be improved upon and has the solution for that as well. Being highly qualified is an asset to the company and an excellent fit for a long term employee (Matthew 7:18 AMP).

In the perspective of us as individuals, we do hire and fire as well. The comments we hear can be constructive or devastating. Construction is an action word meaning to build and make strong. Devastation is just the opposite. Like an employer, you have the task to hire that which is edifying, exhorting, or comforting (construction). The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy (devastation).

Parents can say some things that aren't always profitable for you, yet you might think, because they are your parents, you have to honor them (Mark 7:10 AMP). We don't choose our parents, we do choose what to think and do (Philippians 4:8 AMP). God is good. Best friends are there because of common interests that surpass any similarities with anyone else. Even so, not being raised in the same family does create a difference and at times can be challenging; yet there is a friend closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24 AMP. When you look in the mirror, what do you see? You have a choice to have a good day or not. What do you say to yourself to seal your 24 hours will look like? Will the day be progressive or destructive.

The model in the scenario was already in high demand. She was doing more then the models who are the ideal weight and dress size. She was setting a trend and getting the entire fashion industry to take notice, but still one comment could have it all destroyed in a matter of weeks, days, or hours. If she hired that comment to be her truth, all she would have left is the memory with more photographs then she would know what to do with. It would be a portfolio to keep reminding herself, what could have been or how much she lost. Regret (Proverbs 10:22 AMP).

God says you are fearfully made, more than a conqueror, and able to do all things. He will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5 KJV). Goodness and mercy follow you (Psalm 23:6 KJV) . The Holy Spirit leads and guides you (John 16:13 KJV). Jesus is your Defense, Judge, Salvation, Deliverer, and Lord. Is there a better list of qualifications? Who else is more equipped to do the job? Who have you been hiring? What's been your truth? If you are being honest, we have found the root we previously discussed. Now rejoice and ....Have a Merry Christmas!