Thirty days until Christmas, and my mind is so scattered. I thought I’d just share a bit of “this and that” to get you started toward Christmas… but truly, I do have a purpose in this post.
I saw a clock the other day that is so much a product of our time … (see right).
Christmas is downloading for another year! You have a whole month to think about what you will say when you receive a gift that you didn’t really want. But here are a few ideas:
- Now that’s a gift!
- I really don’t deserve this.
- I couldn’t bear to have anything happen to this, so I’m going to pack it away safely in the attic.
You’ve got one month until Christmas to make wise use of your time! And speaking of time, here’s a cute Christmas Countdown Timer … and some fun, creative, and wise choices to consider over these 30 days:
- Watch Santa’s Reindeer Cam. 8,600 countries are already watching, according to the creators of the live video, 24/4 (and at 11am, 6pm, and 9pm EST, Santa feeds the reindeer). You can get an app for your phone for the reindeer cam, too!
- Make as much holiday food ahead of time as you can ~ Try some Make-Ahead Holiday Cookie Dough recipes.
- Order and read Marcia Ramsland’s Simply December Devotions, the companion devotional to her Simplify Your Holiday Season handbook.
- Check out some Christmas craft ideas on my “Christmas Creations” Pinterest page.
- Try some creative Christmas package wrapping ideas.
- Be sure not to make any Christmas Shopping Mistakes – Check out Dave Ramsey’s list of no-nos.
- Teach your children about contentment with Dave Ramsey’s “The Best Christmas Ever” book and CD.
And speaking of contentment …
Earlier, I gave you some suggestions for what to say when you receive a gift you don’t really want. Unfortunately, that’s what some people have right now ~ some “gifts” they didn’t expect or want. Maybe they got laid off from work. Or a friend decided to act not-so-friendly. Or they received some bad health news.
Whatever the unwanted “gift” is, sometimes it’s a struggle to be content; and in our struggle, we may forget the faithfulness of God.
I find it interesting that a popular scripture is nestled in a not-so-well-known context. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to man….” The context of this is the grumbling believers in the Old Testament who were not content with how God supplied their needs (1 Corinthians 10:9-12; Numbers 
14:2; Exodus 16:2-3; 17:2-3). The last part of 1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds us that “God is faithful.”
God is faithful. He sees you, He knows you, and He knows your needs. He will provide those needs (financial, emotional, spiritual, whatever), though perhaps not in ways you might anticipate or even understand. It is in God’s character to be faithful to His children.“God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9). You can rest and be content in Him.
If you don’t remember one other thing this month until Christmas day, remember this ~ the One who was faithful to send your much-needed Redeemer to that manger in Bethlehem has not forgotten you in your struggles right now.
Knuckle Ride”
I am not a roller coaster fan, mostly because I get dizzy every time, but I do occasionally allow myself to be strapped in ~ and as you well know, once you’re strapped in and the coaster is moving, there’s no turning back. The ride may get uncomfortable, but you’re not going anywhere except up and down (and maybe upside down) on the tracks.
