We’ve reached the time of year when sometimes I’m not sure which holiday to prepare for first, or if I should prepare for more than one at the same time. Either way, it doesn’t have to be a time of year when we’re all completely stressed out. For me, thankfulness and giving are highlighted, both for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
I wouldn’t have a reason to do much celebrating at all if it weren’t for God. If I didn’t have God to be thankful to, I think the only reason I’d celebrate Thanksgiving is for the food. Maybe the historical aspect, but definitely the food. And if I didn’t have God to be thankful to, I think the only reason I’d celebrate Christmas is the gifts. Both giving and receiving gifts, but certainly the happiness that goes with them.
Not that those things are bad reasons to celebrate, they just aren’t the best reasons. I can have a deeper, more meaningful experience over the holiday season because I know God and He knows me. Because of all that God has done in giving us life, a place to live and thrive, and the ability to enjoy these things, because God loves us and gave us Jesus, we can have a richer way of enjoying this time of year, even if it does get stressful.