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I was born in the Fall, which could explain why it is my favorite time of the year. However, being born in South Florida meant the low was 70 degrees.
I first saw snow in Central Florida when dandruff started falling from the sky. As I recall, it lasted around five minutes.
I was in snow first in college in Hattiesburg, MS. That was pretty cool.
Anyway, I enjoy this time of year, not because of the cooler weather (sometimes) but because of the holiday atmosphere that comes with it.
As a Christ-follower, Christmas has always held a special meaning. As a child, I only cared about the presents under the tree, but as I embraced what it meant to be a follower of Christ, it gained a sacred component.
Like me, I imagine you have many special Christmas moments tucked away in your holiday memory bank.
As a parent, I began a tradition of reading the Christmas story before opening gifts. I am pleased to say the tradition continues.
However, the most wonderful time of the year has a different meaning in 2024. This year has been riddled with over-the-top challenges, heartaches, and strife. The global scene has witnessed hatred, mass disruptions of daily life, and wars.
Humanity is confused about who we are, and tolerance has given way to violence. There are those in leadership in the U.S. who think America must die and illegal entry into the country should be rewarded.
“Don’t be naive. There are difficult times ahead.
As the end approaches, people are going to be self-absorbed, money-hungry, self-promoting, stuck-up, profane, contemptuous of parents, crude, coarse,
dog-eat-dog, unbending, slanderers, impulsively wild, savage, cynical,
treacherous, ruthless, bloated windbags, addicted to lust, and allergic to God.
They’ll make a show of religion, but behind the scenes they’re animals. Stay clear of these people.”
II Timothy 3:1-5 The Message
It seems to me that 2024 unfolded the Apostle Paul’s words unapologetically.
The Apostle Peter spoke on the subject in his writings.
“My dear friends, this is now the second time I’ve written to you, both letters reminders to hold your minds in a state of undistracted attention.
Keep in mind what the holy prophets said, and the command of our Master and Savior that was passed on by your apostles.
First off, you need to know that in the last days, mockers are going to have a heyday. Reducing everything to the level of their puny feelings,
they’ll mock, “So what’s happened to the promise of his Coming? Our ancestors are dead and buried, and everything’s going on just as it has from the first day of creation. Nothing’s changed.”
II Peter 3:1-4 The Message
My focus isn’t on what is happening around you but on their message to you (and me).
The Apostle Paul says, “Don’t be naive. There are difficult times ahead,” while Peter says,
“My dear friends, this is now the second time I’ve written to you, both letters reminders to hold your minds in a state of undistracted attention.”
In other words, stay focused.
The holiday season is here, so we have a choice. Will we be influenced by our surroundings or the scriptures?
The surroundings may yell, “Bah! Humbug,” but the scriptures say the one without sin tosses the first stone.
Your surroundings may cause your blood pressure to increase, prompting you to say something unkind. However, the scriptures tell us to be quick to hear what others are saying but slow to respond.
The surroundings may pinch your wallet during the gift-giving season, but the scriptures say enjoy the fellowship of those around you.
The point is that the most wonderful time of the year does not have to be the most stressful.
My wife and I were recently discussing the mounting stress in the air. It is like an invisible blanket that permeates the atmosphere and hangs on to everyone within its grasp.
It is almost like a sci-fi movie where unseen forces are at work to capture the people of Earth.
It is a sign of the times, much like Paul and Peter’s comments about the last days.
The second point of this most wonderful time of the year is to realize that we, as Christ-followers, are under divine protection and can rise above the enemy’s plan of blanket oppression.
Therefore, the conclusion of this portion of it’s the most wonderful time of the year is to:
Stay focused,
Chose the scriptures over the surroundings,
Operate in the Christ-given authority of a child of God.
A close personal relationship with the Godhead provides you a living hope. It is a living anticipation full of expectation of something good happening.
A close personal relationship with the Godhead is a journey. I invite you to follow along. As I learn, I will pass it along so you, too, can learn. I hope that as you learn, you can pass it along so that I (and others) might learn.
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