Getting Ready
 
This is the week . . . the last week before it all begins.
 
"It" is the holiday season. Thanksgiving will be next Thursday, followed by Black Friday and abundant shopping opportunities. Then, will come the launch of Advent on Sunday morning, with Celebrate Me Home the following weekend. Add to that more shopping for Christmas, office parties, family gatherings, more shopping, the Fair Haven Orchestra on December 21, and Christmas Eve. Can we finally catch our breath on Christmas Day? Will we be in any shape to celebrate the birth of Jesus?
 
So, this is the week. The week to create space in preparing for the run through the holidays. The week to find even 30 minutes and focus on the reason for the season. The opportunity to get your head and heart straight before being bombarded by all the advertising, enticements, and temptations that have transformed this time of year.
 
How can you find peace and joy if you're running 100 miles per hour through life to fit it all in and get it all accomplished? The gifts God has for you will come when you focus on Him. I would invite you to sit down and use Psalm 23 as a compass for directing you through the holidays, offering the opportunity to turn them into holy days. Take your journal or a piece of paper and walk through Scripture, reflecting on God's Word and responding to these questions personally . . .
 
The Lord is my Shepherd . . . How will you allow God to guide you through the next weeks? How will you give Him the place of prominence and lead in your life during the holiday season?
 
He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the cool waters . . . How has God provided for your physical needs this past year? What does He need to do between now and the end of the year?
 
He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake . . . How has God provided for your spiritual needs this past year? What has been a significant spiritual growth area for you?
 
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me . . . How has God provided comfort during difficult times for you this past year? How can He bring you comfort in the next weeks?
 
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows . . . What blessings has God given you this past year? How have you expressed your thanksgiving to Him?
 
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever . . . How do you need the goodness and love of God to be active in your life in the holiday season? How can you express your love for God?
 
I hope you will take the time to get ready . . . for Thanksgiving, for Christmas, for your family, for your Fair Haven family, for all God has for you as you worship and adore Him during these special and holy days of the year!
 
Together in the Cause,
 
Tom De Vries