Shout out to all of my blog subscribers—BTW, it’s free to subscribe. When I think of subscriptions, I think of fee, but you’re in the clear. Merry Christmas. HA! It will just send you an update and keep you connected with my posts, which will be every Monday morning.
The support these last few weeks has been AMAZING!! God is already using the WR prep months as a way to reach people and tell them about Jesus. What about you? How’s your Christmas season going? If you’re having trouble getting in the Christmas spirit this year, check out the story below.
“Buddy the Elf, what’s your favorite color?!”
What’s your favorite part of the Christmas season? Is it the presents, houses covered in decorations, tacky Christmas sweater parties, or maybe it’s how people are unapologetically telling others about Jesus’ birth… What is it?
Each Thanksgiving, my family begins asking everyone what they want for Christmas. Most have no idea; however, I always ask for one simple thing: whatever you get me (even if it’s socks) wrap it in the largest box you can find, so I can rip into the paper. Why? Probably because I have a childlike heart. 
This year has been different. Sure, I asked for the same large box but something was missing. Maybe something is missing this year for you too. Did a loved one pass away; are you in a new city with no family around; or maybe you just got out of a relationship and all that’s ever on is Hallmark. Boy, does Hallmark set the expectations high… HA!
Toward the end of November, I was getting pumped up for Christmas. It’s my favorite!! I meannnn “It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” just look at my Christmas socks, sweaters, elf shoes, jingle bracelets, santa hats (yes, I own all of that.. just to name a few.) I began planning parties, shopping for Christmas “gear”, basically what I do every year at that time, but this year it was difficult to glide into the Christmas spirit.
A few months ago, my grandma went to Heaven. My mom and I were discussing our Christmas plans with the family, and what usually is a fun topic quickly became a topic that triggered memories/emotions. With my dad being in and out of our lives for the last 10 years, both of my grandfathers and now my grandmother passing away, and my sister spending Christmas with her fiancé out of town, my mom and I realized that this would be our first Christmas morning with only each other to celebrate. Don’t get me wrong. I love my mom. We’re kind of like… bestfriends!
Even though my mom and I would have each other, it was hard not to think about everyone who was missing. Since it’s difficult for me to put into words how I was feeling, let’s use “Where are you Christmas?” by Faith Hill as the theme song.
This was overtaking my thoughts until God placed on the forefront of my mind an important lesson: Relationships with people are gifts, blessings from God.
Over the last few weeks, God has been teaching me that he is all I need. I’m aware that this concept sounds pretty basic, and uhhh duh, Savannah. Of course, he’s all you need. But I want you to be honest with yourself for a minute. We have all went through some form of heartbreak. In those moments, do you thrive and respond from your emotion or do you turn to God’s word and ask (just like the 1990s bracelets) “What would Jesus do?”
It’s ok to grieve. It’s ok to reflect on the wonderful times with a person, but try to remember that the time you had with them was a gift. We desire community, but people are not necessities to survival. God is all we truly need. You may have already realized that, but don’t let it make you bitter toward others. Don’t let it make you put up a wall, so you never have to feel the same type of emotion again. Why? Because you’re pushing away the gifts (relationships) that God is giving you right now. Embrace the moments you have with each person, even if they’re in your life for only a short period of time.
Just like the gift of Jesus that God gave us. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16.
With Christmas day around the corner, remember the gifts. Not the ones in the box, the gifts outside the box. Remember the gift of Jesus. Love everyone around you like Jesus loves you. Soak up those good times. Remember that it’s ok to reminisce, but don’t lose sight of the gifts in front of you. Be satisfied with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you or abandon you.” Hebrews 13:5.
Merry Christmas, y’all!!
