Holiday season is upon us! That realization may bring a myriad of emotions – excitement, joy, anticipation but also weariness, disappointment, sadness or anxiety. Are the negative experiences inevitable? While it is indeed easy to exhaust ourselves or our bank accounts, it is actually possible to experience the season with a heart of celebration and peace. The key is found in understanding God’s purpose for holidays.
The Old Testament book of Leviticus tells us that God established certain days for His people to observe. “Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘The Lord’s appointed times which you shall proclaim as holy convocations—My appointed times are these:’” (Leviticus 23:2). He spelled out specific “holy days” – holidays - that commemorate significant times and events in Israel’s history which He wanted His people to remember. These were times to gather together for worship and fellowship, times to express thanks for His provision, times to increase in knowledge of Him and to celebrate who He is – and yes, times of feasting and fun!
The first step towards a joyful holiday season is to see the holidays as HIS. Instead of a holiday, we can make them HOLY days by purposing to dedicate them to HIM. That doesn’t mean we spend all day at church, refuse to bake cookies or wrap presents, and ban participation in neighborhood parties! Rather, we see these days as opportunities to glorify Him - in whatever we do, doing all to the glory of God.
The themes of REMEMBER, REFLECT, REST, and REJOICE can help us experience the holidays as God intends.
•REMEMBER:
The word “remember” has two layers of meaning in Scripture and both apply here. One is “to recall”, and the other is “to intimately know”. We can employ both meanings in our holiday celebrations as we not only recall precious memories but especially as we review what God has done for us. Sometimes, our memories are tender and sweet and delightful. But other memories bring old hurts and pain to the surface and we’d just as soon stuff those down.
God is so very much aware of the hurts we have, from the past and the present. And He does not leave us without instruction. Instead of ignoring or pretending, He encourages us to face them and allow Him to bring healing. Lamentations 3:19-25- I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;
Also call to mind the good memories, especially the faithfulness of the Lord. Psalm 105:5 – Remember His wonders, which He has done, His marvels, and the judgments uttered by His mouth. Share these things with your family and create a time of focus on the Lord. Thank Him and glorify Him by expressing confidence that, indeed, He is good to those who trust Him
REFLECT
While it is so good to remember, to remember the faithfulness of God and what He has done, it is also so beneficial to spend time of reflection. Reflection on who God is, what our walk with Him is like right now….and what does He want for us coming up. Hebrews 10:23-25 is good counsel -
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Reflect on who God is - His faithfulness and His call on our lives. Reflect on what He wants for you, His plans for you. The holidays can be a great time to “circle the wagons” and ponder goals for the future. Reflection. Considering how to encourage one another. Love and good works. Beautiful.
REST
Rest is a major theme of God’s appointed times. And to that, we all say hallelujah! But secretly we think - HOW can we accomplish that? We would love to relax, to rest, of course! But how is everything going to get done? Yet it is so clear as we study the appointed times of the Lord that He does not want us to run ourselves ragged. The hectic, frantic, chaotic pace that often characterizes our holidays benefits no one. So, what are we to do?
Perhaps we need to get rid of some of the things we think have to be done. God never calls us to meet every expectation or fulfill every imaginable demand. He calls us to Himself. And in that, we find that He will direct our actions, make clear our paths. Ask Him before you add anything to your plate. Ask Him what are the things that are on your plate right now that need to be taken off.
REJOICE
The final suggestion I have to offer to help us make our holidays Christ-exalting is to REJOICE!
The best counsel ever is found in Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.
REJOICE! Rejoice in the Lord! Be happy! Celebrate! Have some FUN! God commands us to! And did you catch that last phrase - it is a safeguard for you ? That means that if we don’t find our joy in the Lord, we will look for it elsewhere. And all other elsewhere’s will eventually disappoint us. The safest place to find our joy, our satisfaction is in Christ. As you look ahead to this holiday season, make sure you plan for time to REJOICE
REMEMBER REFLECT REST REJOICE. May the Lord’s appointed times for you be the best ever this year!
