As Christmas rapidly approaches, we are reminded of peace, joy, and the birth of Jesus. Many of us realize that Christmas is not simply a time for Santa, the North Pole, and gift giving. Rather we remember, "unto us a child is born" (Isaiah 9:6). However, this year, I want to focus on a different reminder brought to us by this season, something that God has been laying heavily on my heart. 

The birth of Jesus signifies God's greatest act of love, His greatest sacrifice. Sending His only begotten son for the salvation of His people. Christmas celebrates this birth and this sacrifice. As Christmas passes and the New Year approaches, I challenge us to continue to celebrate and remember this sacrifice. For those of you who are advocates for New Year's resolutions, I have a suggestion for you. 

Sometimes as believers, we think we know and maybe even understand enough. We know God has control. We know our lives are His. We know He is powerful beyond measure. These are the things that we know. But do we internalize these statements? Do we live like we believe them? My challenge, my suggestion for a New Year's resolution is to sacrifice your entire life to Christ. God sacrificed His son for you, for all of us. Does it not make sense to sacrifice our lives back to Christ and to the Father?

What do I mean by sacrifice? This is what God has been laying so heavily on my heart. We often cling so desperately for control. We want to know the future; we want to know that we will find security in our finances, our jobs, our education, our marriages, our relationships, in everything. We plan every aspect of our lives. And let's be honest, how often do things actually turn out as we plan? Not often. This is because our plan can never overshadow, conquer, or match the plan of the Father. No matter how old we get, how many lessons we learn, control freaks like me continue to hold on, to grasp for control. I have learned that loving Christ means sacrificing everything I have and everything I love. Because trusting in Him results in the greatest security and the most passionate love we could ever need. Isaiah 26:3 says," You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because He trusts in You." 

There is one thing God cannot do. God cannot break promises. God promises peace and joy to those who fully trust in Him. "Hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us" says Roman 5:5. Put your hope and faith in God, not in the things or in the peace of this world. Our God is greater; Our God is stronger. If Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us? If Our God is with us, then what could stand against? Genesis 14:14 says, "The Lord will fight for you, you need only be still." The Lord is ready to accept your sacrifice. He is willing to take control of your life and everything in it, for your betterment. 

This message is not simply about letting go and letting God, but about true sacrifice. This message is about offering the most beloved parts of your life to God to have, hold, and control. What an act of love it is to sacrifice. Remember the sacrifice God offered so long ago The sacrifice of Jesus in birth and in death replaces everything we attempt to control. When we let go, we find fuller fulfillment in trusting and in loving God. At least that has been my experience. I have been learning how to trust God in new and powerful ways with the most beloved things in my life. Sacrificing your life and letting God work is difficult at best. We fear the good will fall apart, or we worry the bad will get worse. Fear and worry are not from God. Trusting in the Father will result in peace and contentment; God's plan and power will set your soul aflame.

I hope God blesses you abundantly this holiday season. His strength is greater than yours, mine, or ours. He will carry you through if you simply take a new leap of faith. 

"I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do" Isaiah 42:16.

(Becka Bovio is a first year Master's student studying Higher Education Administration at Florida State. As a graduate student she also works in the FSU Career Center. She is a native of San Antonio, Texas and hopes to return to the Lone Star State after graduation.)