The below is a post my brother Beck shared on our church (Family Church of West Monroe) blog.
It’s said to be the most wonderful time of the year and for most—it certainly is.
Family, friends, presents, trees, gifts, lights, ornaments, Christmas carols, music, parades, parties, meals shared around the table, and most importantly—the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
But for many—it’s not always the most wonderful time of the year, but the most difficult time of the year. Distress, depression, discouragement, missed loved ones, reminders of Christmas pasts and the realities of what is and what is not in the lives of people hits them square in the face. Many times personal and family dysfunction seems to raise its ugly head for all to see—choking out the very life of the supposed most wonderful time of the year.
Why does all this heighten at this time of the year? I believe Satan and his army are certainly armed for battle and reminds us “he comes not, but to steal, kill, and destroy” What better time for him to attack life and family than the time of year we celebrate the very source and catalyst of life that God gave through Jesus Christ?
A year or so ago Jodi and I were invited to our first ever, “Tacky Christmas” party and let me say, it was a lot of fun! If you’ve ever been to a tacky Christmas party then you know what I’m talking about. Interesting isn’t it? I have no idea where it originated from but , a tacky Christmas party is an event where you come dressed all tacky, and you have a lot of clean, innocent fun. However, if someone were to go from it being an “innocent event “to a life-style of “tackiness”, now that would change the game quite a bit!
You know this time of the year should be a catalyst for life-change shouldn’t it? But far too often, we allow our lives to be lived “tacky” and many times it heightens during this time of year.
II. Timothy 2:23-26 says, “Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.”
Here are 10 ways to help you avoid a “Tacky Christmas”.
1. Be determined and dead set that you are going to do life God’s Way!
2. Realize you can only control your heart and behavior.
3. Stand firm in your faith by not allowing the enemy to steal, kill, or destroy your joy, peace, or the life that comes through this time of the year.
4. Slow down and take in “the special moments” that arise this time of year.
5. Don’t allow the ghost of Christmas pasts to rob you of Christmas present.
6. Enjoy His presence.
7. Do something “out of the box.”
8. Make peace with yourself, others, and God.
9. Say “Thank you” for God’s gift to us, by believing it, receiving it, and living it!
Do you find yourself around difficult family members this time of year? Do you find yourself being difficult to be around this time of year? How will you apply the principles above to your lives in order to avoid a “Tacky Christmas”?
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