“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” ~ 2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV
One year, as Christmas approached, I found my “to-do” list growing by the yard as the days to Christmas disappeared. Feeling a sense of panic, I sat down with the Lord. As I listed each burden in my prayer journal, I surrendered the expectation connected to it. My prayer went something like this.
- Bible study and prayer journals for my teen study: Lord, I wanted to finish decorating these for their Christmas gifts. But if I don’t finish them before Christmas, it’s ok. I will give them out in January.
- Gifts for out-of-town family members: I haven’t even bought them let alone wrapped and mailed them. But if the presents are late, it’s ok. My love for them isn’t determined by when their gifts arrive.
- Talk for the conference that begins December 26th: I want to be prepared and do my best. But these are your sheep. I’ll trust you to provide the right inspiration at the right time.
- Baking before out-of-town company arrives: If I don’t finish, we’ll work on it together after they come.
As I listed each item and surrendered control, peace replaced the weight I’d carried. I remembered the words of a popular love song playing on the radio. “All I want for Christmas is you.” I realized, all I wanted and needed for Christmas was Christ. And I had Him. I didn’t want any item on a to-do list to steal the best gift.
My Christmas Journey of Surrender
After giving God my list, gaps unexpectedly opened in my calendar. When a gal canceled an appointment, I raced to the mall sending up a prayer for direction. An invisible hand led me to different stores. When I left an hour later, I had gifts for everyone on my list!
How are you this week before Christmas? What pressures or expectations threaten to steal the wonder of Christmas? What difference would it make if you took a Christmas journey of surrender to lay your concerns at the Savior’s feet and savor God’s indescribable gift?
Larry and I are grateful for you. May you enjoy this season of celebration and reflection.
“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Cor. 9:15 NIV) #Christmas Click To Tweet
Merry Christmas,
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Thank you! I’m sitting on my couch right now on 12/19 wrestling to keep the peace and focus on Him. This was super timely and I’m glad I took the time to read it now. Heading off to surrender to Him via my journal…thank you for the reminder of how effective that is!
Stephanie, surrender has led me to a place of serenity many times. It’s a discipline I have to practice when anxious thoughts build inside. God bless you and grant you a special Christmas!
Debbie, I love how you shared your process of surrendering all of your to-do’s and reframing them. And God has helped me so many times when I needed time but had to trust Him to provide it. He’s so good that way. 🙂
I hope you and yours have a very special Christmas!
Thank you, Jeanne. He’s eternal and spoke and worlds were created. It’s so helpful to remember who He is and trust Him. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas too!
I begin my day telling the Lord, “This is your day. How do you want me to use it?” That sets my tone and even though I may have something on the calendar, it’s how I approach it that makes a difference for me.
Marilyn, that’s so good. Our attitude makes a huge difference. Merry Christmas, friend.
Peace in our hearts is what this day is all about. Thanks for sharing and reminding us that our gifts are about the heart and not about what we buy. Merry Christmas, Debbie!
Barbara, may the Lord grant you and your family a most blessed Christmas season.
Amen and amen, Debbie. I always find peace in surrender, and often that is what God is waiting for me to do! LOL
Praying for you to have a beautiful Christmas filled with His peace and joy.
In His Great Love,
Joan
Me too, Joan! Yes, He knows how to get our attention. Merry Christmas, dear friend.
I totally relate to all you shared. This year has been a little busier than most because I watch my 2 little grandsons 3 days a week, sometimes more depending on the circumstances. But I was determined to trust God with all the preparations since all 3 of my children and their families will be here for the holiday, and approach each task with a quiet, undisturbed heart (which is what He has been highlighting to me this year) and amazingly everything has gotten done in plenty of time, including wrapping gifts, and I do not feel stressed or frazzled. That is totally Him and I am so grateful. He truly is all we need.
Wishing you and your beautiful family a blessed Christmas.
Ann, I love that. The peace and joy of abiding. God bless you and your family!
Thanks for the reminder to focus on Christ during this season instead of completing the never-ending to do list. When I prioritize making time for Christ, He multiplies my time and helps me accomplish everything else.
Joanna, it never ceases to amaze me how that works! And there’s joy in the journey. Blessing, my friend.
This year has brought quite a few unexpected guests. Relationships always bring choices, and putting them before my to-do list is always the right choice, but it’s been a struggle to do that with a submitted attitude. Love the way God brought me to read your post on this day and at this time. I really needed this encouragement!
Sylvia, I understand. I’m thankful the Lord encouraged you! Blessings on you Christmas celebration.
Thank you for this reminder today. When we give even a little time to God, He can do a lot with it.
Candace, He always amazes me! Merry Christmas!
Such a powerful testimony of His faithfulness, Debbie. Prayer, surrender, His guidance, His peace – all crucial for keeping Christ as the center of Christmas.
Lisa, I love how you summed it up: Prayer, surrender, His guidance, His peace. Yes. We need Him always. Happy New Year!
Merry Christmas and happy new year to you and your family, Debbie! Thank you for this wonderful reminder that I can apply all year long.
Thank you, Annie. God’s blessings on you and yours this new year!