Navigating the Christmas of 2020

Navigating the Christmas of 2020 this year may be a little tough for most people in the world. Many of you have lost loved ones, jobs, maybe even your identity in this long season. My hope is that reading this post will give you a little hope and focus during this Christmas season.

Let’s start with the most important point. What is the reason for the season?

I know it sounds cliche, but I wanted to start with the most important part! The answer is Jesus. Jesus was born to save the world. He loves us and came as a man willing to die for us and to forgive our sins. He is the absolute best gift of all to you and me. No other gift you can get is as good as this precious eternal gift for all mankind. I encourage you to spend time with Him in worship this season. He will help realign your focus on what is important.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” John 3:16-17 ESV

To those who have had a hard year…

I am sorry that this year has been a tough one. Just know that this season in life will not last forever, and there is light on the other side. It is still possible to have joy and peace through Jesus even in a time where the world around you is crumbling.

If you have struggled this season and are unable to provide for your family financially for gifts, don’t be afraid to ask for help or even have a friend post about your need online for you to be anonymous. It is okay to be okay with people helping out your family this Christmas. Not only are they blessing you, but they will be blessed themselves by helping you. This year will not be your forever, and one day you will be able to give back the same to someone else.

Maybe you have lost joy this year and really do not want to celebrate Christmas. I want to challenge you to focus on what you are thankful for. This can be difficult in the natural but will help to refocus you this year.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9

If you can, try to be outwardly focused these next few weeks. Studies have proven that giving makes a person happier. God loves a cheerful giver. Pray for eyes to see who you could bless. You don’t even have to have money to be a blessing. There are many ways to serve others this Christmas season that do not require any sort of finances such as sending letters to local hospitals and nursing homes.

For those who have not had the hardest year…

That in itself is something to really be thankful for. This year has probably been the toughest for many others around you, so be sure to be on the lookout for others that may need prayer or even a text of encouragement. Be sure to be sensitive on social media to what others may be going through and not post to boast. I know that is never the goal, but we just want to be super-mindful this year. If you could spare a few dollars, is there a waiter you could bless at a restaurant with an above-average tip? Perhaps you could pay for someone’s drink behind you in line at the coffee shop. You could be the answer to someone’s prayer today, so pray for open eyes to see the need and to be Jesus’ hands and feet.

Lastly, let us not forget to have this mindset all year long. Many people love to give around Christmas, but it does not have to be a holiday for us to be a blessing and to serve others. I hope this will help you navigate the Christmas of 2020 a little better this year and helps you have focus. I think we all need a reminder including myself.

Please comment below or contact us if you have any prayer requests. We love to hear answered prayers and testimonies as well!