Take Time to Enjoy God's Blessings This Christmas

　　By Laura Bailey

　　Bible Reading

　　“A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?” - Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 NIV

　　“Are you getting my calendar invites?” I asked my husband over dinner.

　　“Which one? The one about the Christmas play at school? Or the Sunday School Holiday potluck? How could I miss the multiple invitations to celebrate Christmas with our families, friends, and people we barely know?” My husband’s voice was playful, but I still sensed his aggravation over our packed calendar.

　　It is a recurring disagreement in our household; I enjoy a calendar filled with activities, hosting people, and hustle and bustle, while my husband prefers a more relaxed schedule of events, i.e., sitting in his pajamas watching a Christmas movie with just our family. Both ways of celebrating Christmas have their drawbacks and perks.

　　My over-scheduling can lead our family to feelings of exhaustion and a desire to just “get through Christmas” so they can have a chance to relax. Yet, on the flip side, by hosting events at our home, we’ve had the opportunity to share the love of Jesus with others and invite people to have a seat at the table who didn’t have anyone to share the holiday. If our family engaged in Christmas the way my husband prefers, we would often miss out on supporting our friends in their plays, attending church events, and celebrating time with family. However, it is nice to rest and simply enjoy the gift of each other’s presence without constantly thinking about the next event on the calendar.

　　This tension of knowing when to take action and when to rest is often addressed in the pages of Scripture. The Bible is replete with invitations to the weary to come to Jesus for rest (Matthew 11:28) and to abide in Christ (John 15:14). Conversely, Scripture charges us to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19) and to make the most of every opportunity because the days are short (Ephesians 5:15-16). So then, what’s the answer? Do we go and do, or stay and linger this holiday season?

　　Solomon in Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 offers insight into how we should approach Christmas time. He writes, “A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This, too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?” For someone whose holiday plans involve a lot of eating, I am grateful that Solomon encourages us to enjoy our food! And all God’s children said, “Amen!”

　　All jokes aside, Solomon, in these verses, reminds us to enjoy life's blessings: food, fellowship, and a job well done. Even in a fallen world where the evidence of sin is prevalent, we still experience gifts from a most gracious and loving Father. I like to think of these blessings as “glimmers of Heaven,” glimpses of the abundant, extravagant life those in Christ will experience for all eternity.

　　Solomon does not encourage us to abandon our responsibilities, forgo our obligations, or even say no to things we enjoy doing. Instead, he draws our attention to the fact that God is sovereign over everything. Even our ability to find enjoyment in this life comes from the Lord.

　　So, however, you celebrate this season, cling to the truth that God’s grace and mercy enable us to experience eternity in the here and now. Might I suggest, as our family has come to practice, a mixture of participation in the holiday, ensuring we have ample time for rest and relaxation, and giving the Lord all the glory and honor because He alone is worthy.

　　Intersecting Faith Life:

　　Think about your holiday plans. Do you tend to lean more towards filling the calendar with “all the things?” Or perhaps you are more likely to keep a clear schedule? In light of Solomon’s words in Ecclesiastes 2:24-25, how might the Lord call you to adjust your plans this Christmas season so that you can fully enjoy and share the blessings from the Lord with others?

　　Further Reading:

　　John 15:4

　　Ephesians 5:15-16

　　Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/maximkabb

　　Laura Bailey is an author and Bible teacher who encourages women to understand what they believe, why it matters, and how to apply biblical truths to their lives. Her recent book, Embracing Eternity in the Here and Now, explores how the timeless truths of Ecclesiastes help us live more peaceful, purposeful, and plentiful lives today.

　　She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and three young girls, where she serves as director of women's ministries at her church. Her passion is teaching the Bible to women, equipping them to live with an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at your next event or learn more: www.LauraRBailey.com connect onFacebook andInstagram.

　　Check out fantastic resources on Faith, Family, and Fun at Crosswalk.com!

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