Do you need to adjust what you consider the purpose of the holidays? Vicki explains.
“Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth-everyone who is called by My name, whom I created for My glory, whom I formed and made” (Isaiah 43:6b-7).
Early October I shopped in Staples. Christmas cards were already on display. Seeing them set my mind down a familiar path . . . a path of doom and gloom.
I don’t know how I’ll be able to decorate this year. How many parties will I have to miss? Ugh!
I meandered through the store and spotted a pile of atlases off in a corner.
That’s like me: less of a purpose.
I can embrace the messages of Thanksgiving and Christmas. But the trappings magnify my limitations. Traditions become a symbol of loss: inability to bake or decorate like I used to.
Those thoughts force me to confront my purpose in life. Can you relate?
The holidays we dread can actually shed light on our God-given purpose. The perception of a mundane life can be exchanged for a glimpse of a magnificent purpose. It’s all about perspective–like when I look through my 3D Christmas cardboard glasses.
Scattered among the colorful twinkling lights on our Christmas tree is a multitude of the word ‘love.’
If we view the holidays from God’s perspective, we see His love sprinkled among all the trappings. Then we realize that able-bodied and disabled people share the same magnificent purpose.
‘Put on’ your spiritual glasses as I ‘show’ you His love for each holiday.
Thanksgiving: created to praise Him
“The people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise” (Isaiah 43:21).
“In Him we were also chosen . . . for the praise of His glory” (Ephesians 1:11a-12b).
Christmas: created to live through Christ
“This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him” (1 John 4:9).
Life-long Purpose: created to fellowship with Him
“God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9).
Prayer: Dear Father, As the holiday season approaches, dissolve any discouragement. Keep my focus solidly on how I can celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas. Praising You and fellowshipping with You. Oh how I want this holiday season to be all about seeing Your love and loving You. Thank You for giving me a magnificent purpose: to live my life in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the Author:
Vicki understands special needs as a patient, parent, and professor. She has had multiple sclerosis since 1993. Her 33 year old son was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. She’s taught special education as a teacher, administrator, and adjunct professor. Through her blog, she reaches out to other mothers of children with mental illness. http://mentalillnessmom2mom.net/
Vicki wrote a picture book about bullying: Heart Eyes: Beth and the Bullies. You can find out more about that book by visiting her Heart Eyes website: http://www.hearteyes.net
What holiday challenge do you want to see through the lens of God’s love?
This is Darius Rucker singing “What God Wants for Christmas.” I know it seems early still for holiday music, but I saw this one being shared on social media about three weeks ago and I thought it the perspective we need to enter the holidays with– remembering what God wants for Christmas. Keep watching, because it is just more heart-warming as the video goes on. God bless you. -Lisa
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