`TIS THE SEASON!

This is the time of year when families get together, some who spend a lot of time together, some who haven’t seen each other for a while and some who’ve been estranged through hurts and disagreements or who don’t seem to live up to the expectations of their family members.

Most people have dreams and hope for a wonderful, loving time together at Christmas, or they are afraid of what could happen. We suggest that you take this amazing Christmas time to, first of all, stay very connected with Jesus in gratefulness, asking Him to open the eyes of your heart for revelation by his Holy Spirit on how to love each person. (Love is choosing the highest good for the object of your love.)

If any situations arise that could be painful to you (personal hurt or unfilled expectations), take time alone to forgive and hear what Jesus has to say to bring peace to the pain you felt; then go to the heart of the person who hurt you to care about what’s going on inside of them. Rather than try to fix an issue and be “right”, in God’s love and grace, go to the person’s heart to “care.” Something must have happened that caused them to react the way they did. (Unresolved hurts from the past will cause the person to react to the past deep pain of failure, rejection, abandonment, feeling falsely accused, publicly humiliated, etc.)

Remember, the enemy is out to fulfill his job description: kill, steal, and destroy your heart and every relationship in your life (John 10:10). His goal is to get you focused on yourself and separated from God.

Jesus, on the other hand, came to heal hearts and to give life abundantly (Isaiah 61:1-4). Stay connected to JESUS every moment, taking your own heart to Him to receive love and care, so you will be empowered by Him. This will change your Christmas experience.

Merry Christmas!