God is in Charge of Christmas
Where do you turn when the pressure builds? The Christmas holidays and the days leading up to them overwhelm us. There is never enough time or energy for everything. In our frenzy to wrap, shop, decorate, bake, write cards, and socialize, we often act as though Christmas depends on our efforts alone.
Who’s in charge?
Remember the old saying from the 1970’s, “Let go and let God.” When we put God in charge of Christmas, we will experience a season of renewal, of joy, of contentment, of peace, and of hope – not stress, anxiety, discouragement or fear.
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light
(Matthew 11:28-30).
Stress happens
Let’s face it, stress happens – it’s unavoidable. Anyone who has ever lived has experienced stress. It is as inherent a part of our make-up as our personalities. Mary and Joseph were two human beings just like us, who had their fair share of challenges, and it’s possible that stress was a factor.
When we think of the nativity scene, we paint a picture of perfection. The shepherds are all neat and tidy, the wise men look resplendent in their expensive garments, and the gifts they bear are neatly wrapped. Inside the stable, the animals are clean, and the hay is neatly tossed. We see a tender scene of a baby with his parents. Everything seemed to happen without a glitch … not! Perhaps in a perfect world, but the world wasn’t perfect when Christ was born, just as it isn’t perfect today.
Don’t let the joy of Christmas pass you by
Our homes are often like the commercialized nativity scene when Christmas finally arrives. Our smiles unsuccessfully mask the fatigue, the tension and the money worries. All of the preparations are perfect, and yet inside, we are in a state of disarray. The joy of Christmas has passed us by.
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Mary and Joseph had cause to worry
Mary and Joseph had a lot to worry about, but they put God in charge of every event. A stranger (who turned out to be an angel) told Mary, a young, unmarried woman, that she was going to have a baby. This news no doubt shocked Joseph – after all, he and Mary were only engaged – not married. Even though it was a divine impregnation, the ramifications of their situation were cause for concern. Who would believe them? In those days, adulterers and those who engaged in premarital affairs were likely stoned, whipped or banished to the far reaches of the desert. Joseph even considered divorcing Mary. Yes, they sure had their problems!
If that wasn’t enough …
The pair got through the first two trimesters without any apparent hindrances – until they received notice that they had to travel to Bethlehem for the census. This was a long and arduous journey, especially since Mary was very pregnant. She didn’t have the luxury of a camel, or servants to carry her either. She made the trip on the back of a donkey. Ouch.
No room at the inn
After days and days of travel, the tired couple arrived in Bethlehem, along with thousands of other people returning to their birthplace. They enquired at an inn for a room, but were told there wasn’t a room left in all of Bethlehem.
Imagine how they felt. In Mary’s case, she was about to give birth, and she and Joseph didn’t even have a place to lay their weary heads. The innkeeper took pity on them, and offered them the stable as temporary quarters, out of sight and earshot of the guests.
It is likely the stable was not as clean as crèche scenes portray. After all, it was a last resort and was not prepared for the comfort of human guests. Imagine having a baby amid manure paddies and odoriferous hay! There were no ambulances, no doctors, no hospitals or nurses to assist her. Mary ended up in a stinky old stable, surrounded by sheep and cows and probably rats. There was no running water, heat or electricity.
And the angel said unto her, “Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour in the Lord” (Luke 1:30).
Mary and Joseph flee
The Christ child was miraculously born, healthy and strong. Mary and Joseph’s worries seemed over, until they received word that a nasty old king was out to murder their baby. Off they fled to Egypt.
Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness (Isaiah 41:10).
Give Christmas to God
Why not let God take over? If Mary and Joseph hadn’t given their problems over to God, they would not have heard God’s voice over the roar of worry as He led them through their trials. They put God in charge of every detail. They used Him as a sounding board and voice of reason.
No God, no peace. Know God, know peace.
Mary and Joseph were real human beings, just as we are. They lived through tribulations, just as we do. The God they served two thousand years ago is the same God we serve today. Because they put God in charge of that very first Christmas, the world was saved. Hope was born on that starlit night in Bethlehem. From the splendor of heaven was born a Savior in the squalor of a manger, so that we could know peace and forgiveness. Jesus was God’s gift to humanity.
What are our rewards for handing the holiday reins over to God?
- Peace: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27).
- Health: I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth (3 John 2).
- Rest: The apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught. And he said unto them, ‘Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while,’ for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat (Mark 6:30-31).
- Emotional health: If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light (Luke 11:33-36).
- Nurturing: In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul (Psalm 94:19).
- Hope: Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world; he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life (John 8:12).
Putting God in charge is the greatest gift we can give to our families – especially at Christmas. Why not let go of the reins, and place your life back in the hands of the God who is the reason for the season. He has given us such precious spiritual blessings that enable us to draw nearer to Him (Ephesians 1:3-14). One of these gifts is the empowerment by His own Holy Spirit, whose role is to bring glory to Jesus through our lives. He’s ready and willing to help you let go and trust God in all things. If you ask Him to empower you, and continually draw from His strength, your soul will be satisfied. Your life will inspire others. And God will be glorified.
Why not take a moment and make this prayer your own? Let’s let go, and let God.
Heavenly Father, I love You. I need You. And yet, time and again I’ve chosen to turn away from You and Your goodness. I acknowledge that I’ve forgotten to acknowledge You for who You are in all that I do. I pause now and thank You for forgiving my sins through Jesus’ death on the cross for me. I thank You for the Holy Spirit, who lives inside me and desires to help me follow the best path You have for my life. Fill me up with Your Spirit! Help me to hear and heed Your voice. Help me to draw from Your strength. Let Christ take His place on the throne of my life once again. I’m looking to you, LORD, and You are enough. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
