1. Praise God; you made it!
If you’re reading this post, there’s a good chance you made it. You’ve navigated endless lockdowns, picked yourself up after failed plans and endured a stocking full of disappointments. And so, as you use that last ounce of energy to pull that Christmas Bonbon, why not give yourself a pat on the back? And as you do, rejoice in the God whose goodness and grace never let you go.
2. Be okay with it not being okay
Our hope is not waiting under the Christmas Tree but in the Word made Flesh.
The borders are open, the pubs are filling up and we can finally see each other “mask to mask.” Having said that, I suspect there’s now a temptation for us all to try to make up for lost time and project a year’s worth of happiness and expectation into our Christmas turkey. But our Christmas plans won’t be perfect. People are tired, fuses are short, plans will be disrupted, and that honey baked ham won’t make up for a year of disappointment. And you know what? That’s okay. Jesus brought light in the darkness (John 1:5). Our hope is not waiting under the Christmas Tree, but in the Word made Flesh who came to makes all things new.
3. Embrace the outsider
Sadly, we’ve seen enough division to last a lifetime. In recent weeks, I’ve even heard of people being uninvited to a family Christmas lunch on account of being unvaccinated. No one should do Christmas alone. This Christmas, I would encourage you to find creative ways to serve and welcome the unvaccinated in whatever way you are able. Likewise, we should also be sensitive to those who are expressing fear over the virus. Rather than pointing them to your favourite blog debunking the COVID conspiracy, why not take the opportunity to enter in. Hear their concern, understand their fear and do whatever it takes to meet them with love.
4. Read less news and watch more stars
It’s hard to scroll today’s news feeds without being sucked into a vortex of political spin and fear. The Bible tells us that the “heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1). This is an invitation for us all to look up and be reminded we are not alone. This world belongs to a designer who flung the stars into space and who holds this world—and your life—in his hand. The ongoing realities of this pandemic are real, but so is the security and sovereignty of our God.
5. Pen some resolutions worth keeping.
Who will I invest in this coming year? What rhythms of prayer and Bible study would I like to establish?
If 2021 (and 2020!) has taught us anything, it is that earthly plans and dreams are nothing more than a chasing after the wind. But what if you decided to abandon the worldly aims and started thinking bigger? Consider: who will I invest in this coming year? What rhythms of prayer and Bible study would I like to establish, what characteristics would I like to grow in? What sins do I need to put to death? How can I bring those around me closer to Jesus? How can I serve my family and friends in new ways?
6. Do Something Unexpectedly Generous
So instead of bemoaning the grey socks you got for Christmas or complaining about the lack of parking spaces at the local shopping centre, why not spend a few hours with the Lord thinking of all the creative ways you could surprise someone with unexpected generosity? Maybe surprise the guy in your community who “has no friends” with an act of friendship? Take them on a road trip, buy them two tickets to a show? Maybe take time to send a hand-written note (remember them!) to someone you care about? Perhaps you’ve never told them how much they matter to you, and now is the time.
7. Embrace the lost art of rest
If you think a quick dip in the pool will wash away the madness of this year, think again. In the words of John Mark Comer, “We need to relearn how to power down, unplug, disconnect and take a break.” As Christians, we must reclaim the lost art of rest. We must resist the temptation to fill every hour of our day. We must embrace the God-given sleep in, enjoy a long lunch with friends and slow days at the beach. Of course, we who are in Christ know that our thirst for rest comes ultimately from the deep well of God’s presence and grace. In the words of Isaiah, “they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.”
8. Read one great book.
I wasn’t raised in a family that encouraged reading. In fact, I don’t think I read my first book until I was in my final years of high school. And yet I’ve come to realise just how much joy can be found in the arms of a great writer. Over the holidays I try to unlock different parts of my mind (and heart) by reading something new and different. If you’re not sure where to start, let me commend to you the Penguin Classics and dive into a masterpiece like The Portrait of Dorian Grey, Les Misérables, Frankenstein, The Great Gatsby or 1984.
And of course, remember that our inspiration and transformation come from the Living Word, the Bible.
9. Be prepared to share the reason for your hope
Okay. I didn’t come up with that one. It’s a direct quote from the apostle Peter (1Peter 3:15). But it’s worth noting just how relevant this command is for you today. Peter is writing to a church suffering amidst poverty, persecution and a global pandemic. God didn’t take away their suffering but instead gave them a living hope that transcended their present distress. This is a difficult Christmas for us all. But don’t waste this moment. This is an incredible opportunity to shine the light of Christ and point people to the hope that is ours in Him.
