IT IS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY........

This Christmas season is clearly not too different from past ones, as people get caught up in the hustle and bustle off life we see more and more people living on the edge. Just head out to the shops for 1 hour today and watch people you will see as I have that road rage is at its highest ever. families are being slowly torn apart right before your eyes in the mall, parents at the end of their tether almost ripping the arm off their toddler as they drag them screaming from the shops, people screaming obscenities from their car window. The strange part is that these very people are out and about to buy gifts for their families and friends, If you stop to ask them what are their thoughts on Christmas, most of them will tell you that they HATE Christmas, they find the whole thing a pointless chore, and they cant wait for it to be over.
My heart breaks for people in this situation , if they could only see the real reason for Christmas Their day would be altogether different.
Christmas from the christian perspective is that , without Jesus there would be no Christmas, we are celebrating the birth of THE SAVIOUR TO THE WORLD. Jesus came to save us to give life and life abundantly . If we live by his ways and teachings then we do not need to be living on a knife edge in a constant frazzled state, in fact I find it hard to wipe the smile off my face at this time of year. It is a time to be so grateful for the free gift of Grace and mercy that was given to me the day that I was saved.
God even gives us instructions as to how we should be behaving at Christmas, well all year round relay, but especially when we are celebrating HIS birth. John 15:9 9 Jesus said to his disciples: ‘As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.
1 .Count your blessings rather than count your trials.
2. Be even tempered and not quick to get angry. Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
3. give your neighbour a small gift and a card to wish them a fantastic year ahead, John 15:17 This is my command: Love each other.
4. Have someone extra at your table for Christmas lunch that has nowhere to go. Luke 14:13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,
5. Smile when you go shopping, be nice!!!! talk to the shop assistants. Habakkuk 3 : 17-18 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

6. Share much laughter and love with your family. Colossians 3:12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;
7. Take your kids out walking to look at Christmas lights
8. Listen to Christmas carols that are worship songs , and worship your king . Genesis 24:26 Then the man bowed down and worshiped the LORD,
9. Listen to God when he prompts you to talk to someone, or pray for someone 1 Kings 19:12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
10. Christmas should be about peace and joy , pray for Gods peace and joy to be upon you .
John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

I encourage you this year , don't be like the grumpy people who just make everyone else around them grumpy. Be filled with : The spiritual nature produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, Galatians 5:22
This is what God is calling us to do. Chose Life, this is the time of the year that we have a great opportunity to witness to non believers, don't waste a moment. God asks us to be different to the world, he needs us to be there to show people there is a better way of getting through life here on earth. The last thing God wants is for non believers to watch our behaviour as Christians and say to themselves that we are no different to anyone else. Mathew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.