Have you read or watched the movie, Skipping Christmas, by John Grisham? (the book was adapted to the movie- Christmas with the Kranks)
Can you relate in any way, shape or form to Luther Krank? He wants to skip Christmas- just for one year.
s
No stress at the mall, spending money you don’t have, decorating, cooking, cleaning, preparing the feast, and decking the tree, etc.
[Tweet “If #CHRISTmas is #stressing us out- maybe our #focus is out of whack. #HOLYdays”]
s
At the Barclay household, we try to skip the stress of “xmas” but we make every effort to fully celebrate CHRISTmas.
s
Much like sorting clothes into keep and giveaway piles, we’ve sorted through Christmas customs and traditions, placing them in our own “favorites” and “not working for us” piles. Every year, we streamline Christmas just a little bit more. 
Each year, we tweak our celebration because we’ve grown in our understanding of the incredible gift the Father gave us by sending us his Son- Jesus.
[Tweet ” CHRISTmas is the beginning of the most beautiful promise fulfilled- #GodWithUs”]
“Pleased as man with men to dwell- Jesus our Emmanuel”!
“FEAR NOT- I bring you good tidings of Great joy —- for all people.”
“I will not leave you in your sins- I will redeem you and call you by my name.”
[Tweet “Every celebration on earth is a shadow of the celebration to come!” #HeavenEarthRejoice]
We are to celebrate Christ in our reality! He is worthy to be praised and celebrated and adored….O come let us adore Him- every day of the year!
[Tweet “We don’t have to wait until #CHRISTmas to #celebrate #CHRIST. #Joy #DAYbyDAY “]
What is my reality right now- today?
Am I anxious? He is the Prince of Peace.
Am I afraid? The message of CHRISTmas is FEAR NOT.
Am I depressed? JOY to our world for He has come and is coming.
Am I lonely? Emmanuel- God is with us- always.
I’m more afraid I’ll MISS CHRISTmas.
s
But I could no more “skip CHRISTmas” than I could quit breathing.
We are called to celebrate CHRISTmas – a DAILY celebration of our hearts, recognizing our LIGHT has come- His glory is shining on all who will seek Him.How will you celebrate this year? How will you take back CHRISTmas?
zs
Surprising Treasure: Keeping CHRIST in CHRISTmas is making room for God’s presence in our every day lives.
Cindy,
I can so relate. My history is so similar to yours as you know. Thanks for sharing and encouraging. You are such an inspiration to me as you have always been. Continue to be brave and be yourself!! Blessings to you and your family this season.
Oh Cheryl- We have traveled a long road toward our real home! I can’t believe how much I’ve had to “test” and “weed out” to got to this place of peace- honoring Christ- not out of fear- legalism- or what someone
else’s conviction was- Whom the Son sets free is free indeed! Blessings to you and your family this season! hugs
One year my (last!) flu shot left me feeling sick for all of Advent. I couldn’t accomplish anything. It struck me that I could either fret what I wasn’t able to do, OR I could enjoy what everyone else was doing to “make the season bright.” It turned out to be a memorable season of rest! That’s a gift I’d like to regularly share with all the precious people who do so much for others. Wishing you and your family a most blessed season, Cindy, as you are preparing the way of the Lord! I love you, sweet sister!
The blessed gift of resting in Him. To truly entertain Him – I’ve learned I have to prepare Him room- for my life gets so cluttered with the scurry and the worry- I have to sweep my mind and soul to make room for Him to fill me. Hugs sweet sister! May you be blessed beyond measure- you and Howard- and your whole family!