Living Christmas everyday!
Christmas as a way of Life!
Simple traditions to bring lasting joy
At the end of this strange year with lockdowns and travel plans disrupted I decided to hold on to Christmas and treasure it.
I dug out the carol sheets from the garage and made copies to take with me. I sang them as I did my house work and cooking. I wrote out carol quizzes and played them with friends. I slowly decorated our home and as the baubles and angels came out I thought of the friends who had given them to me as gifts. Many of them had been handmade with care and were priceless!
On December 1st I decided to sing a carol a day as an audio recording for my group of school friends. The girls were delighted and joined whole heartedly giving me suggestions and reminding me of the Christmases we had celebrated together some 30 odd years back.
I made cards and gift tags using recycled materials. Packaging, old dictionaries, milk bottles, jars, buttons all these were turned into beautiful gifts of love. I gave away plants to two friends who had started tending their gardens with new passion this year.
‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him’ Romans 15:13a NIV
During advent the words hope, love, joy and peace come up in sermons, carols, sermons and discussions. So I decided to study these words from the Bible.
To live Christmas everyday I came up with these four -
Love
I have to abide in God’s love daily - his love is unfailing (Psalm 90:14), healing (Hosea 14:4a), comforting (Isaiah 66:3 ) and so much more!
Joy
Doing for others every day gives me joy and strength. Planning surprises, writing letters, mailing cards, baking and sharing goodies brought much joy.
Peace
One hour at a time, sweet Jesus- that’s how I live life now. ‘One day at a time’ used to be on my list of favorite songs but, now in my 50s I realize I need Jesus each hour. This keeps me from worrying and at peace.
Hope
Zechariah 9:12 uses the phrase ‘prisoner of hope’. That is a wonderful way to live-being hopeful no matter what!
