Are You Ready for Some ... Christmas?

In this Christmas UPGRADE, I want to help us focus on two frustrations about the Christmas season. 

In spite of the photo below, this article isn't about football, which should make my husband smile. (I actually like it that my husband can relax and watch his favorite teams. Although "relax" might not be the best word when the game isn't going as he'd like.)

So why the photo? While contemplating how to both streamline Christmas and make it more meaningful, I suddenly heard this football tag line in my head: "Are you ready for some football?"

I laughed!

A little history. The opening theme song for Monday Night Football was made famous in the early 1990s, originally performed by country rocker Hank Williams Jr.

A reworked verson of his song, "All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight" was titled "All My Rowdy Friends Are Here on Monday Night." The song's catchy words and tune stuck in football fans' minds for more than two decades until ESPN booted Williams and his emmy-winning song in 2011 after he made a controversial comment.

Still, the catchy line, "Are you ready for some football?," secured its place in history. Over the years, I've caught myself adapting it.

• Are you ready for some . . . turkey?
  
• Are you ready for some . . . shopping?
  
• Are you ready for some . . . Hallmark Christmas movies? (My husband's expression indicated a firm "no" to that one.)

We each have only so much time in our days, and we want to spend it well. So as December neared and I perused our calendar, I found myself asking, "Am I even READY for Christmas this year?" (Is anyone? Ever?)

I want to share two questions that are helping me get "ready" for Christmas. Maybe they will help you too.

1. How Can I Streamline Christmas?

As I've been simplifying and streamlining my home by removing many of the things I've "stored" there unnecessarily over the years, I've asked three questions: Do I love it? Do I use it? Would I buy it again?

I decided to do the same thing with Christmas.

The questions I'm asking to streamline Christmas this year are:

• Does this Christmas-related activity bring me or my family true JOY? (Or am I only imagining or hoping that they even like it?)
• Is this Christmas-related activity worth my or my family's time NOW? (Was this activity useful in a past season of life, but now it's just a hassle that no one really appreciates or even wants?)
• What does this Christmas-related activity ACCOMPLISH for me or my family? (Does it support our family goals or the legacy we want to create?)

Please understand that I am not doing this perfectly. Also, know that some of this is necessary in my life with the limited energy I have. But I do think those questions might be beneficial for all of us.

Streamlining Christmas is helpful, even as we pack in what is important—and that's where the second question comes in.

2. How Can I Focus on the True Meaning of Christmas?

I noted earlier that Christmas has typically become a secular holiday for many families. As a Christian, I think that's just terribly sad.

After leaving church on Sunday morning in late November, we saw house after house with giant blow-up Santas and snowman.

One small lawn was packed from front door to sidewalk and up to the neighbor's fences with "Christmas stuff." No theme, just a hodgepodge of glass, plastic, and metal. I couldn't help wondering if it was all simply accumulated over a lifetime of Christmases by people who had no Christmas "filter." (Perhaps that sounds judgmental. I don't know the homeowner's story. But to me, the cluttery look was far from celebratory . . . more junkyard than heartwarming.)

Nearing my home, I even saw a monstrously-tall Halloween skeleton left up after Oct. 31—and now sporting an ugly Christmas sweater! (I didn't know whether to laugh or cry!)

Secular decorations can be "cute" and—although this is controversial in some circles—I believe certain secular decor can have a place in holiday celebrations. Yet, as we turned the last corner toward home that Sunday, my eyes rested on a simple nativity scene.

I sighed with a Christmas-y smile of peace, contentment, and joy.

"THAT is what Christmas is all about," I thought. 

Then and there, I decided to spend at least 15 minutes each day leading up to Christmas to focus on the true meaning of what we celebrate—and this is beyond church services and special Christmas services. I didn't want the hustle and bustle to overshadow what is best.

How I spent the time might vary, but taking the time would need to be consistent for the greatest impact.

Brainstorming, I thought I might spend those 15 minutes:

• meditating in a Christmas devotional book—some suggestions are here and here and here and here and here;
• looking through a book with famous paintings about Christmas;
• reading a biblically-accurate Christmas book to a small child—here is one idea);
• creating a Christmas craft that focuses on Jesus—and this can be done with children, such as with this or this;
• praying about the people on your Christmas card list, or for family members who need Jesus;
• serving someone with a special need at Christmas;
• listing what positive changes knowing the Savior has brought into your life;
• singing or listening to Christmas hymns or songs that praise God—many are here, and here's a  history of some Christmas hymns, or you may have your own Christmas playlist; and
• planning how you might give special gifts to those not on your typical Christmas list—such as World Help and Samaritan's Purse—but also consider worthy local Christian charities in your city).
• You may have other ideas. Get creative!

Knowing how distracted I get, I made a simple check-off sheet to keep by my Bible and devotional bood to be sure I spend time focusing on the true meaning of Christmas. (Other people might choose to set a phone alarm to remember.)

A FINAL NOTE

By far, the most important reason we should streamline Christmas and focus on what matters during the season is to glorify God—to "give weight to" who He is, to adore and honor Him. We were created for His glory, and scripture instructs us to do everything for His glory (Isaiah 43:7; 1 Corinthians 10:31).

We really shouldn't need a reminder, but honoring God should always be at the center our Christmas-season activities.

What will you do to streamline your Christmas and focus on its true meaning this year?

Dawn Wilson, founder and President of Heart Choices Today, is a speaker and author, and the creator the blog, Upgrade with Dawn. She is a contracted researcher/reviewer for women's teacher and revivalist, Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth at Revive Our Hearts, and is a regular columnist at Crosswalk.com. She and her husband Bob live in sunny Southern California, and Dawn has traveled with Him in Pacesetter Global Outreach. They have two grown, married sons, three granddaughters and a rascally maltipoo, Roscoe.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Wallace Chuck at Pexels.

Uplift Your Worship

Morgan Farr continues to amaze me by her determined mothering and ministry. In this Christmas UPGRADE, she gets personal—sharing how God taught her lessons through a classic Christmas carol, 'O Holy Night.'"People tend to love Christmas music or absolutely hate it," Morgan says. "There seem to be few people who are neutral in this debate."

Count me (Dawn) in the first group. Long before I became a Christ-follower, I believe Christmas hymns and carols played a part in drawing me to Christ.

Morgan continues . . .

I happen to be one who adores Christmas music. But this was not always the case.

Christmas of 2017, I had a breakthrough. I learned to worship more freely through the lyrics of "O Holy Night" and a rowdy two-year-old.

My family was stationed in San Diego, California, at the time. My husband was working with Naval Special Warfare and was gone more often than not. We had three children ages three and under, so my life was chaotic.

On a rare weekend when my husband happened to be home, we decided to take the kids to see a matinee of the Christmas movie, The Star.

The kids were three, two, and eight-months-old, so I wasn’t entirely sure how sitting through a movie would go.

I think I talked myself out of going twice on the way there. 

Mercifully, the only other people in the theater were a set of grandparents with their two young grandsons.

As the movie progressed, the song 'O Holy Night' played in the background. This song has been a favorite for most of my life, so I played it often in my house; but that afternoon it got a new place in my heart.

As soon as he recognized the song, my two-year-old son stood up in the aisle and belted out 'O Holy Night' at the top of his lungs.   

Listening to my two-year-old unapologetically celebrating was a moment that permanently changed the way I think of worship—and the lyrics of 'O Holy Night' were the catalyst.

Lessons from 'O Holy Night'

1. Raise Your Voice.

“O holy night! The stars are brightly shining; it is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.”

In the first part of the song, we simply call out the gloriousness of the night. Do you speak openly of God’s incredible gift to us? If not, what is holding you back?

Psalm 145:11 says,

“They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power.”

Speak boldly of the gift that God gives us. Share the news of His glory with those around you.

2. Recognize the Need.

“Long lay the world in sin and error pining, till He appears and the soul felt its worth.”

When I share with someone about why I follow Christ, is this what I say? Without Christ, we are lost to sin, permanently separated from God.

Philippians 3:8 says,

"What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ."

Do I explain that life without Christ leaves a hole that leaves me searching? Do I show with my actions that Christ is worthy of my worship?

3. Remember the Hope.

“A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.”

Jesus Christ was born, lived a sinless life, was crucified and buried, only to raise again three days later— redeeming us all from our depravity. He is the hope that generations cried out for and that we get to experience through salvation.

When I am weary of the happenings of the world, do I remember that Jesus is King of Kings and will return in glory?

4. Revel in Him.

“Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born; O night divine, O night, O night Divine.”

Do I worship the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords with appropriate adoration?

1 Chronicles 16: 23-25 says,

“Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods.”

Am I hesitant to sing out in church or with my family on the chance that I might fumble the words or miss a note? Not anymore.

My son’s rendition of 'O Holy Night' reminded me that when worshiping our Savior, the notes don’t matter, the stumbles are forgotten.

It is the act of worshiping the Most High God with everything that I have that matters. It reminds me to focus on the incredible gift we have been given in Christ, not just at Christmas, but every single day.

This holiday season, I want to encourage you to break free of any restraints that might prevent you from fully worshipping God.

If you need an example of what that looks like, check out the children in your church. See what it looks like to approach the Creator of the universe through the eyes of a child.

After all, that is how the Savior of the world appeared on that oh, so holy night.

How can you worship him more this holiday season?

Morgan Farr, an Army wife, is a succulent-cultivating, book nerd and aspiring author. Morgan homeschools her four young children and trains her working dogs while leaning heavily on Jesus. Morgan is the Director of Publishing at Planting Roots, a ministry for military women and wives. You can connect with Morgan on all major social media channels using her handle: morgandfarr.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Angeles Balaguer at Pixabay.

Waiting in Hope

Joanie Shawhan is an overcomer. Her belief in God's Word and trust in her Savior, Jesus, informs her choices about the struggles of life. It also teaches her how to wait in hope for the God who is in control. In this special Christmas UPGRADE, Joanie approaches the celebration of Advent with the desire to encourage each one of us to "wait in hope.""Mom could no longer manage another winter in her house," Joanie said. "We decided to sell her home and move her into assisted living by Christmas."

My husband and I (Dawn) and his extended family went through something similar with my husband's parents in 2021. It wasn't easy. There were so many challenges—opportunities to trust God. But through it all, we learned a lot about trusting God's timing, and waiting for Him to show Himself mighty. Like Joanie, we learned to "wait in hope."

How does this relate to Christmas?

Joanie continues . . .

Several buyers walked through the house, but they shook their heads. The house needed too much work.

I feared it wouldn’t sell.

Doubt and worry had whittled down my hope and left me exhausted.

A friend reminded me, “You only need one buyer.”

As I prayed, I sensed the Lord nudge me to declare “Jesus is Lord” over our situation. I prayed as God directed. I felt enveloped in a blanket of peace.

Once again, I engaged in the waiting process. But this time accompanied by a new faith and hope.

As I pondered waiting in hope, I was reminded of the Christmas story.

The Long, LO-O-O-ONG Wait!

For centuries, the Israelites waited and watched in hope for the coming of the promised Messiah. Even when they endured persecution and exile, they waited in hope. Against all odds, they believed God would fulfill His Word.

‘“The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior’” (Jeremiah 23:5-6 NIV).

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14 NIV).

Even though they trusted in God’s Word, did they understand these prophecies concerning the arrival of the Messiah?

It would be 700 YEARS LATER before the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary.

“Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end” (Luke 1:31-33 NIV).

Even Mary didn’t understand the Angel’s message. How could the words of this angel be fulfilled since she was still a virgin?

But Mary believed God. Little did Mary know how her “Yes” would not only change her, but would transform the world.

Mary's “yes” acknowledged the Lordship of God as she waited in hope.

When I declare “Jesus is Lord” over my situation, I acknowledge God’s sovereignty as I wait in hope. Even when I don’t understand God’s plan.

How does my declaration of  “Jesus is Lord” help me wait in hope?

• I replace my doubt and unbelief with faith.
• I surrender to the will of God by confessing, “Not my will, but yours be done.”
• I relinquish control of my circumstances. God is in control.
• I acknowledge that when I obey His Word, I am not responsible for the outcome of my situation. God is.
• I express my love for the Lord through my obedience.
• I worship God for who He is and not just for what He can do for me.

Even when I wait in hope, the answer to my prayers is not always the answer I desire. Sometimes I don’t understand why a loving God would allow His children to suffer various trials.

I wonder if Mary recalled Simeon’s words when the Romans nailed her beloved Son to the cross.

“Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: ‘This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.’” (Luke 2:34-35 NIV).

Mary didn’t understand God’s plan either. Only later did she see the glory of God.

We may not see God’s glory in our situation on this side of eternity, but as we walk with the Lord, we trust He will be glorified.

Advent is a liturgical season of waiting. A time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus at Christmas.

The first of the four candles of advent is the candle of hope. Hope—a light shining in a dark place.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13 NIV).

We can wait in hope because God is faithful.

How are you waiting in hope during this advent season?

Joanie Shawhan shares true-life stories, offering her reader an eyewitness view of the action. Her Selah Awards Finalist book, In Her Shoes: Dancing in the Shadow of Cancer, reflects the value of “Your story plus my story become our stories.” An ovarian cancer survivor and registered nurse, Joanie speaks to medical students in the Survivors Teaching Students program. She co-founded an ovarian cancer social group: The Fried Eggs—Sunny-Side Up. Publishing credits include: Guideposts Divine Interventions, Snapshots of Hope & Heart, Wit, Whimsy & Wisdom, Life Repurposed, and We May Be Done But We’re Not Finished. Follow Joanie at www.joanieshawhan.com.

Christmas Graphic adapted, courtesy of TerriCnuddle at Pixabay.

Spread the Aroma of Christ at Christmas

I love the inviting scents of Christmas. Cookies baking in the oven. Christmas ham. Hot chocolate with crushed peppermint on whipped cream. Cinnamon, cranberries and cloves simmering on the stove.

I recently saw an article titled "Super Simple Holiday Stovetop Simmer." In the article, Lora Bloomquist said, "With a few simple grocery store ingredients and tap water, you can enjoy a fragrant-smelling holiday home every night of the week." (Ah. I like simple.)

The RECIPE includes cranberries, cloves, Saigon cinnamon, and sliced lemons. (What's not to love?)

Fragrance is part of making the home "cozy" during the holidays, Bloomquist said, and this is "easier and less expensive" than burning fragrant candles. (Some candles can be a problem for people with allergies; but I'm not sure about cinnamon and cloves.)

As I thought about Christmas fragrances, a passage of scripture came to mind:

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.

For we are the aroma of Christ to God . . . (2 Corinthians 2:14-15a).

Yes. There is an aroma more fragrant than any Christmas spices that might simmer on your stove!

The Sent One is the 'Fragrant' One

Let's backtrack a bit into the Old Testament.

• We first hear about pleasing aromas—or "sweet savors"—rising to God in the Jewish sacrifices (as in Exodus 29:18, 25; Numbers 15:3). Some of the sacrifices were designated for the atonement of the people until the promised Messiah would come.
• Later, when God, through Ezekiel, told the Jewish people He would bring them from all the lands where they had been scattered, God said: "As a pleasing aroma I will accept you . . . And I will manifest my holiness among you in the sight of the nations (Ezekiel 20:41).

The aroma of a sacrifice is important to God. Over and over in the book of Leviticus, the "aroma" of sacrifice is mentioned as pleasing Him. But why? 

It's not the smell, but what the smell REPRESENTS.

Jesus was the "sent One"—the promised Messiah. The Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world (1 John 4:14; Galatians 4:4-5). When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, He would as an adult become the "once for all" sacrifice for sinners (Hebrews 7:27). He would die in our place—the substitutionary atonement for our sin.

Paul said Jesus loved us so much He chose to die for us, and that sacrificial offering was "fragrant" to God (Ephesians 5:2b).

At the beginning of Jesus' ministry, the Father said He was "well pleased" with His Son (Mark 1:11). Jesus was without sin, and the ONLY ONE who could provide the perfect and pleasing sacrifice—acceptable to God.

Jesus' life is the sweetest "savor" of all, because He is our Savior!

According to John 3:16, those who know the Savior in a personal relationship have eternal life—and that is cause for great rejoicing!

But not everyone we meet knows Him!

That's why 2 Corinthians 2:14-15a is so important. Paul said our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God.

If you are a Christ-follower, God desires to use you to spread the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere!

• In your family
• In your neighborhood
• At your workplace
• In every setting the Lord opens to you

Just as a holiday fragrance might waft from our stovetop and fill the house with a pleasing aroma, our lives ought to fill the world with the pleasing aroma of Christ.

I laughed a little as I wrote that last sentence.

I realized it takes heat to make a stovetop fragrance fill our home. It doesn't do much sitting in a pan of water with no heat.

It may take a little "heat" from the Holy Spirit—or some difficult circumstance God uses to fire us up with a reminder of His great mercies and grace—to motivate us to share the Gospel with others.

We who enjoy the fragrance of Christ in our salvation: how can we not desire that beautiful blessing for others?

As you consider some of the lovely scents of Christmas this week, how might you share the "aroma" of the risen Christ in your circle of influence?

Dawn Wilson, founder and President of Heart Choices Today, is a speaker and author, and the creator the blog, Upgrade with Dawn. She is a contracted researcher/reviewer for women's teacher and revivalist, Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth at Revive Our Hearts, and is a regular columnist at Crosswalk.com. She and her husband Bob live in sunny Southern California, and Dawn has traveled with Him in Pacesetter Global Outreach. They have two grown, married sons, three granddaughters and a rascally maltipoo, Roscoe.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Public Domain at Pixabay.

The Gimmes, The Grinch, and The Greatest Gift

Sally Ferguson is a caring encourager. She wants women to grow in the Word and in their responses to Father God. In this Christmas UPGRADE, Sally notes some of the wrong attitudes during the holiday season about "getting," and encourages ways to give instead.

"In a culture of shopping malls and letters to Santa, it’s a struggle to unwrap the real meaning of Christmas," Sally says. "Even Cindy Lou Who told the Grinch things had gotten out of hand in Whoville. 'Everybody seems too kerbabbled. Isn't this just a little superfluous?'"

I (Dawn) had to laugh when I read that. Sometimes I think our culture is more Whoville-ish than we admit. But Sally takes us beyond that tale to a story that is grand and a blessing!

Sally continues . . .

What are the gimmes?

That’s when we’re compelled to have it all—“Give me this, get me that. I need more!”

I see ads geared toward the younger audience and think, "It’s no wonder we’re in a hurry to buy the latest, greatest doohickey and whatchamacallit. We’re in a race to get the best so we can be the favorite grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, (insert your status here)."

If it’s a competition, is there any joy in the giving?

How do we help children navigate the gimmes at Christmas, if the adults are competing with each other for their affections?

In search of answers, I called my friend Sandy Meerdink to get her input. Sandy and Jon have three daughters, ages seven, eight, and ten.

When I asked if they deal with the gimmes, she chuckled and said,

“We always have. When they get one thing, it leads to wanting another.

"It’s a lifelong process of teaching my girls they don’t all need to have the same thing. If one has a toy, they can share and multiply their supply.”

Sandy continued,

“I try to talk to them about others who don’t have what they have. The girls notice kids around them at school, and we talk about how they would feel if they didn’t have the things they do.

"I tell them stories about children I saw on a mission trip to Nicaragua. There were children who were glad to have boots that didn’t even fit, and kids who lived in a cardboard box, yet were happy.

"When my girls want something, I ask, ‘Is it a need or a want?’”

“Maybe Christmas (he thought) doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.” — The Grinch

What does Sandy do to promote giving instead of getting?

1. When shopping, encourage each child to watch what others admire.

These make great gift ideas and nurture observation skills.

2. When they see a need, conduct secret projects to surprise that person—such as what happened when a new girl came to class and needed cheering up because her mom was sick with cancer.

3. When making a Christmas wish list for Grandma, think of an activity to enjoy together—turning the gift into an experience and a memory to cherish.

4. When celebrating with extended family, let children help pick a family gift that will focus on fun—like a pass to a nearby zoo or new sleds to go sledding too.

A few years back, Sandy was dismayed by the gimmes popping up in her home and cried out to the Lord for a way to reach her gals. The result was a Christmas angel, Gloria, represented by a doll.

• Gloria’s purpose is to bring glory to God and to teach the joy in giving.
• Gloria shows how to look out for others and do special things for them, and then find joy in watching that person’s reaction.
• Through daily activities during the Christmas season, a Bible verse, encouraging notes, a challenge and an occasional gift, Gloria prepares hearts for Advent.

How can you advocate giving instead of getting?

• Handmade gifts are ones that will be cherished. Find ideas from Lana Wynn Scroggins here.
• Shop together for Shoebox gifts. Sandy asks her girls to pick out gifts for a specific age so that they will picture that child in their minds.
• Deliver cookies together. My family sings Christmas carols as we deliver to neighbors on Christmas Eve. It makes people smile (because of the tunes or because of the festivity, I’ll never tell)!

“You can’t hurt Christmas, Mr. Mayor because it isn’t about the gifts or the contests or the fancy lights.” — Lou Lou Who

What is the real meaning of giving at Christmas?

Consider the impact of gifts.

When the Israelites triumphed over Haman’s plan of extinction of their people, they celebrated with presents to each other. Their joy was represented in the gift (Esther 9:18-22).

When the Magi found the Babe in the manger, their joy overflowed in the sharing of their treasures. (Matthew 2:10-11)

Maybe our best gifts are the awe we bring when we worship the King? (Psalm 72:10-11)

Let's join Cindy Lou Who in search of real meaning this Christmas. As we return to our Bibles, we will unwrap the most remarkable present of all—the presence of Jesus!

How will you help children navigate the gimmes at Christmas, and instead, point to the greatest Gift?

Sally Ferguson loves to dive into God’s Word and splash his refreshing water onto others. She speaks and writes with a look at snapshots of life in the sunshine and in the storms. Sally plans women’s retreats and she’s working on a Bible study for caregivers. She lives in the beautiful countryside of Jamestown, New York, with her husband and her dad. Sally’s coloring book, What Will I Be When I Grow Up? is available here, or contact Sally on her website for a copy.

Graphic of Christmas Gifts adapted, courtesy of Pexels at Pixabay."