EMPOWERING LIVES WITH PURPOSE:
We all seem to be asking ourselves these days, “God, what is Your plan for my tomorrow?
Holidays are upon us.
These days this past year have been taking a toll on us and here we are facing a holiday and most likely it will be experienced like never before. Some lost loved ones, others suffered job loss, many had life-altering changes. Times are different. Do you know yet what your Christmas and New Year’s will look like this year?
Time is running out, does God seem to be silent? What do we do with our tomorrow? We can’t always choose how we feel, but we can choose how we respond to our feelings during this holiday! Take a deep breath and read the Word God gave us…
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”. (1 Thessalonians 5-16-18)
A fun suggestion that may help you smile at this year’s holidays table. (even if it is spent all “alone” in your home and you’re the only one present) start yourself with a new tradition. Why? Because you are NEVER alone! If you’re by yourself or even if you have a house full, this idea can become a blessing, a beautiful tradition before Christmas time.
Plan a time where you can incorporate all your “joy,” all your “thanks” and give God all your “praise” through “prayer”.
The idea:
Set your table with all the beauty you can…but just for Jesus. Be creative. Use your imagination and have the others help. Not with utensils but with your “gifts” to Him. What gifts can you lay out for Him on your table setting? Something handmade, a written poem, a song you’ll sing just for Him… a meal you’ll share as you talk with Him? Again, be creative.
Then…get all dressed up for your Heavenly Father by showing Him He is worth ALL of your efforts to dine with Him. Let your family know the table is set for “just Him” and they will all be a guest at the table set to honor God. Be prepared to make it “all about Jesus”. He will be your food, your sustenance for the “time period” you all sit together to honor Him. Present your gifts of “joy” to Him at the table, one by one discuss them. Bring “creativity” bring “JOY” to this setting and honor God with everyone’s full presence before Him.
After presenting gifts, sit back and go around the table thanking Him for everything. After you’ve each said “thank you,” pray like you’ve never prayed before together. Make it fun, make it memorable, even if you don’t have family to do it with, do it alone with Jesus. Remember, One on One with Jesus is a “joy” in itself.
Sit and have a fellowship time with our Father God at your table of joy, laughter, thanks, and prayer.
Remember, this setting is not about food this time unless you wish to add it in~ it’s only about Him. It’s different but it can be a special “new tradition.”
If done with focus on Him, I think your family and children will remember these cherished made memories forever!