Still Christmas Shopping?

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Admittedly, I do shop all year long. Oh, don’t be impressed by that, it is mainly because I’m tempted by some ‘impulse’ bargains. It’s those things that are 75%-90% off in January and February. Or, sometimes it is simply the ‘leftovers’ from buying too many birthday items for one person and then realizing I can’t be gifting that much on one holiday! Either way, my Christmas stash begins to grow!

Last week, I got a lot accomplished in the world of Christmas lists and actual purchases. Throughout this week, I should be receiving multiple deliveries from vendors all across the USA. Hopefully! But, until those deliveries arrive, I have one overwhelming project looming over my head.

What is it?

Unearthing my Christmas stash! While it looks like a lot cluttered in one particular corner of my basement, I always wonder, “What did I buy?” “Who did I buy it for?” “Will they really like it – at this point in time?” So, that is my challenging goal for this week. (Oh, and don’t even ask me if my Christmas tree is up yet. I’m in denial and am determined to enjoy my fall décor for just a bit longer!)

No doubt, you have a looming list that weighs heavy on you from time to time during this time of year. The Christmas roller coaster takes us to exhilarating highs of celebration, friendship and sweet moments of worship. But, that same ride can take some crazy, and unexpected, dips that send our heads, hearts and tummies into near nausea or panic!

Hopefully, you can take comfort in a verse God gave me early last week. It has nothing to do with Christmas, but it does have everything to do with bringing some peace into our lives. It says, “Therefore, my dear brothers (and sisters!), stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

So, what is the work of the Lord? It is both at church, but maybe more importantly – in your home. If you consider that verse in regard to all the fun (and chaos) that will be a part of your life in the next few weeks, could it give you more peace? I think so. Consider this little paraphrase…

Stand firm in your faith, sister, and in God’s hope! Let nothing move you even as the chaos surrounds you! Always give yourself fully (with whatever capacity and strength you still have) to the work of loving your family (even crazy Aunt Agnes or those bemoaning ‘Eeyores’ that attend your church), because you know that your labor, in and for the Lord, is never worthless or in vain! All your late nights, planning, cleaning, cooking, shopping, waiting in lines, assembling gifts and decorating are not worthless! Your calm, smiling presence at church, school and Christmas parties sharing words of love and hope in Christ are not worthless!

…and when you get that cancellation notice from googleshopping or see that the special gift item you bought for a loved one is now $25 cheaper on Amazon, take a breath! Regroup, and see if you can order or purchase that item somewhere else! Both were my reality in the last 48 hours, and I’ll just take advantage of the free return policy and wait and see if any other cancellations occur. Either way, I’m headed in the right direction!

In the meantime, take time to enjoy the 'side trips' of Christmas that God may show you. Here are a couple fun things that came across my path recently that might be fun for you as well - this year or next! The first one was seen in action at a friend’s church two weeks ago. It is a fun video version of ‘Away in the Manger’ (a cartoon) that is great for a sing-along or for a children's presentation. (I'll list the download details below.) This fun song of worship is going to be incorporated into our New Year’s Sunday worship as we enjoy our Christmas carols one more time!

Or, if you're all set for Christmas, you may still be interested in checking out a free gift! This same company has been handing out freebie videos this Christmas, and I just found out about it. Today’s freebie was entitled ‘You’re Valuable.’ Today was day seven (of their 12 Days of Christmas), but that means that there are five more days to go. If you hurry, you can get your family – or your church – some freebies this week with just a click of a button! I love those kinds of gifts - free and useful all year long.

No matter what you have on your ‘To Do’ List for today, remember to lean on the truths found in 1 Corinthians 15:58 –

Stand firm and hang in there!
Keep moving forward!
Give yourself fully!
Your labor in the Lord is never in vain!
All our efforts to share the story and love of Jesus are never outdated, but are always needed.

...and don't ever forget that you, just being you, are an intricate part of God's amazing story of His ultimate Christmas gift!

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'Away in the Manger' download ($14.99) available at: https://www.worshiphousekids.com/kids-worship-song-tracks/34525/away-in-a-manger  Other titles are available as well!

Freebie! ‘You’re Valuable’ Object Lesson Video available at worshiphousekids.com:

Uncle Charlie uses a $20 bill to show that no matter how we are treated and no matter what anybody says about us, that we are still valuable! We’re valuable to the One who made us, the One who loves us, and the One who paid the highest price for us. We are totally valued by God!

Note: Freebies do require you to set up an account, but it is very basic. The videos we’ve downloaded have been available in 4 different formats (PC, Mac, Regular Screen and Wide-Screen projection.)

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