Understanding the Sacrifice of Christmas

As Christmas draws nigh, I have been thinking a lot about how we as parents should have the faith of Mary and Joseph. They followed God’s will for them and had such great faith that they were willing to believe God’s word. They did not concern themselves with what their friends or family thought; they only focused on God.

Lately, I have felt I need to grow in my faith. I understand the gift of Jesus gives me such hope, love and forgiveness. I know that at this time of year I just need to focus on this wonderful gift that was given to us. I want to trust in Him during this hectic time of the year.

As a mother, I want my children to understand the true meaning of Christmas. I want them to know the greatest gift they will ever get will not be sitting underneath a Christmas tree. The greatest gift is the love God has for us in that He gave us His Son.

The word “sacrifice” means to forfeit or to surrender. The Son of God came to Earth as a little baby. His great birth was such a wonderful gift and sacrifice.

With my own children, I recently have encountered time management problems. The holidays can do that to a family’s schedule. I have been concentrating more on things that do not matter and not giving enough of myself to my children. I have allowed my own holiday blues to squash their excitement.

My holiday blues stem from my heart being burdened with too much. I need to let them go. His mercies are new each morning (Lamentations 3:23). God does not want to see me depressed, but to know that I have hope in Him.

Our children need to understand this great gift that we celebrate on Christmas day. This year, honor the gift of Jesus for without Him we would not have forgiveness of sins or a relationship with the King of Kings.

This holiday season is a great time to also look at the beauty around us. It is not the gifts under the Christmas tree that matter; it is the birth of Jesus and how because He came to earth we are blessed in God’s eyes. Once we accept Jesus as Our Savior, we can rely on Him for all things.

One way I am getting over my holiday depression is to focus on my beautiful kids. Looking at their smiles and their excitement, brings me joy. Children see the world the way Jesus wants us to see it. His magnificent creation is filled with beauty.

Spend time with your kids making a treat for someone else. This year, we are baking cookies to take to the nursing home in our town. Sharing God’s love with your children by your side will lift your spirits. Even volunteering at a homeless shelter or church can bless others and show you the blessings in your life.

We all need to let go of temporary concerns and focus on what really eternally matters. Mary and Joseph did not let the daily struggles get them down. They focused on God’s promises.

The Bible chronicles many examples of how individuals who blindly followed Jesus were blessed.  I want to safely fall in to the arms of Jesus and be one of those who follows with faith.

This Christmas season, focus on your family, focus on what you do have and be willing to sacrifice for others just as God sacrificed for us.