There is so much to do, so much to see, and so much to experience during Christmastime, that it's really no wonder children are on overload during most of December-and even through January: the feel of a soft chenille scarf or a silky cashmere sweater; the pleasure of fuzzy flannel pajamas and the scratch of woolen mittens; the sweet  taste of gingerbread fresh from the oven with a dollop of whipped cream or the melt-in-your-mouth delight of shortbread; the spiced sweetness of hot apple cider, and the creamy richness of eggnog sprinkled with ground nutmeg; and what about the smell of iced Christmas cookies and the scent of freshly cut pine? The Christmas season is a sensory explosion!  But is this what Christmas is all about? Is it a celebration of the material and the sensual?

The majority of Americans who consider themselves Christians are well-aware that Christmas is the celebration of Christ's coming to Earth, but that hasn't stopped us from practicing the holiday as the commercial retailers want us to-with a mad shopping frenzy.  It's consumerism at its absolute ugliest, and exhaustion and bad tempers to end it all.

Obviously, we know that this is not what Christmas should be all about, but we get sucked into it every year. So we ask ourselves-What does Christmas really mean to me? Loving this season as I do, I thought long and hard about this question, and I've managed to answer it...

When I think of Christmas, I think of giving, family, and the true meaning of why we celebrate. I feel so blessed to have grown up in a household where the true meaning was expressed and taught. My parents didn't give me an option in regards to participating in the Christmas play at church or whether or not I should even attend church, and I am so grateful to them for instilling that in me at an early age. My husband and I express that importance in our home, as well. We have two beautiful girls, and we teach them that Jesus is the Reason for the Season. We also let them know that it is better to give than receive. While writing this, I am reminded of the Scripture which states, "It is more blessed to give than receive" (Acts 20:35). This may be a hard concept for a small child to grasp, but we are training them up in the way they should go, and when they get old they will not depart from his Word.  

I enjoy holiday decorations and watching my girls get excited about them, as well as the different festivities that take place during this month. When I see them getting too wrapped up in everything but the TRUE meaning, I began singing the song, "Jesus is the Reason for the Season."

Christmas is a time of celebration, and to me, it's a further celebration of Thanksgiving-being thankful for all the gifts God has blessed us with, rather than concentrating solely on the one supreme Gift.

This Christmas, as I help pass out gifts to children in need, spend time with my own loved ones, decorate our warm home, purchase gifts for my loved ones, and reflect on the beautiful, miraculous story of Christ's birth, I'll also thank God that He's blessed my family so richly and given to us that we might give to others, allowing Him the glory. 

Marla Bio:

 

As we enter into yet another holiday season, many of us are scattering to dress up their homes, update their wardrobes, and buy the best gifts for the ones we love the most.  From the elaborate Christmas trees fluffed in white faux snow to the silk, satin, and shiny bows that adorn them, everyone is concerned about the external décor; but we must not forget to upgrade and refresh that which matters the most...the heart. 

It's easy to get caught up in the shopping, cooking, and decorating-and just as easy to become overwhelmed.  Be careful.  The stress and pressure of pulling off the perfect holiday can pollute the heart.  What should be a pleasurable experience, like the traditional family photo in front of the Christmas tree, can turn into a nightmare if more energy is focused on making sure everyone has the perfect pose instead of making sure everyone embraces the moment of the family union. 

Believe it or not, it matters more that the feud going on between two sisters is reconciled than whether or not there are two people standing beside one another with red sweaters on when there should clearly be a white sweater standing between them on the photo.  Wouldn't it be great to look back over the family photo album and get a sense of sincerity from each and every smile, rather than recalling how just before the picture was taken, the photographer was breaking up a fight between the two standing on opposite ends of the photo?

It's said that laughter is good for the heart.  Well, so is peace.  Try being the peacemaker during family festivities this year.  Make sure your own heart is clear of bitterness, anger, and strife too.  Forgive those who have offended you, and even love on those who seem to hate on you.  The power of your love will conquer the power of any negative emotions.  Take some time to work on your heart, and exercise its power this season.  No matter how great things appear to the human eye from the outside, remember, God knows your heart.  Man looks at the outward appearance.  God looks at the heart.  (1 Samuel 16:7)

Be careful not to get so caught up in your own desires that you overlook the needs of those you love this year.  You may find yourself in a better place financially this year than the years before.  However, do not let self gratification interfere with your giving. 

Without intention, it's easy to get beside oneself; especially when it comes to giving (from those who have deeper pockets).  Make sure your giving is from the heart, and not from a place of showing off or making someone who has less than you feel inferior.  Your giving should exalt the receiver, not the giver. 

If, on the other hand, your pockets are not as deep as you'd like, don't let that cause you to envy those who are in a place to give gifts with a greater price value.  Remember-the thought truly does count more than how much money you spend. 

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. (Philippians 2:3)

As you slip into your favorite pair of high heels, remember, it does not matter if the bottoms are red or if the heels are scuffed a bit, God wants to know that your heart is passionate towards Him and your life is a reflection of who He called, purposed, and designed you to be.  Once the heels come off, the earrings are removed, the makeup is washed away, and all the designer labels are stored in their proper places, are you pleased with who you are?  More importantly, is God pleased with the woman you have grown to be? 

When you look at yourself eye-to-eye in the mirror, does the reflection to your soul seem cloudy or clear?  Only you know the answer to these questions and God is well aware.  If your heart is not in the right place, it will show up in all aspects of your life.  No matter what you try to use to cover it up, it will make its way to the surface.  The good news is that God is always available to you. 

Now is the time to polish up those rough places in your life.   Let the love of God shine so bright from within you, that all who see you will know who and whose you are.  You are the daughter of the Most High God.  You have the radiance of royalty.  The world needs to see the God in you.  The more God they see in you, the more they will want God to be within them. 

Be about your Father's business. It's more valuable than the most expensive designer labels.  Not only will it improve the way you look, it will greatly enhance who you are on the inside.  There are no eyelashes or skin foundations on any makeup counter in the world that can do that. 

Shalita Bio:

 

Well, it's time for the holidays and it is an exciting time. So what makes this time so exciting? In my opinion, it's the season itself; people are friendlier and more giving toward one another than the other ten months of the year. As we think about giving, we should be mindful that our giving should not be in vain. When we give to anyone, whether we give of our time or our finances, we should not go into debt in the process. Debt is a burden, a weight that keeps you entangled, so if you are about to spend but cannot pay cash, then you are entangling yourself. Here are a few checks you can cash for the holidays:

1. Check your house - Before buying something new, look at what you have in your house (jewelry, clothes, talent/skills) and give that away first. If you can't give it away, then sell it and use the proceeds for gift giving.

2. Check your hands - There is a Kingdom principle that applies here. Take what you have in your hands and use it. Cook a favorite/specialty dish or create something with your hands, then bless it and release it as a gift. Write a book or poem, record a song, or take some pictures, but do something with your hands.

3. Check your heart - If you are going to spend any money or purchase gifts, then do everyone a favor by starting with the Father's heart. Ask Him what you are to do with His resources. Remember-we are stewards and managers of His resources. It's all His! So ask Him how He wants you to use what He has given you, and for whom it should be used, and then simply obey that Word!

These three simple checks will help you be home for the holidays without being in debt.  The Father loves a cheerful giver; therefore, live this season (and every season) knowing His heart, using what He's placed in your hands, and what you have in your house to celebrate during this exciting time of the year.The Father is our provision and our protection...trust Him for what you need.

LaTonya Bio:

LaTonya Jackson lives in Northwest Arkansas with her husband (Maurice), daughter (Sydni), and her mom (Beatrice Floyd). She is a senior manager in Talent Development for the Sam's Club division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. She attends The Rock of Northwest Arkansas in Springdale, a five-fold ministry ecclesia. She serves as a member of the Girl Scouts Diamonds Council Board of Directors and is an Independent Miche Representative, which is a fashionable and chic handbag and jewelry company. LaTonya also supports her husband in their business ministry, Forward Financial Group. Together they help individuals, families, and businesses with identifying loss areas through FREE debt-elimination plans. As a family unit, their desire is to see people live a purposed life so that individuals and families can fulfill the plans and passions that God (YHWH) has preordained.

Personal Websites:

LaTonya Jackson, Independent Miche Representative:  http://jackson.miche.com

 Music To Fill Your Home With The Holiday Spirit