Introduction:
· Proverbs 22:3 - “a prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences”. (TLB)
· Christmas season is a time of opportunity and also of challenge..
· Some – time of family, celebrating, great experiences together.
· Others – time of sorrow, violence, shame, pain.
1. Keep it simple:
· John 10:10 - Jesus came – that might have life – abundantly. (NKJ)
· How to celebrate? Romans 14:5-8
i) Don’t celebrate at all
- Some consider it Pagan, foolish, non- spiritual.
ii) Focus on Key issues
- Building family memories.
- Appreciating and valuing people.
- Gratitude for God’s goodness.
· Key: Keep it simple not extravagant.
2. Control Spending:
· Key issue: Spending beyond means by use of credit.
· Key verse: Proverbs 22:7 - The borrower is servant to the lender. (NKJ)
· Pressure: Credit cards, Hire Purchase, Deferred repayments.
- guilt, emotional pressure, family expectation.
· Key: Control spending: Luke 16:11
- Set a budget and stick to it – not credit card/HP
- Limit presents and value
- Personal effort – creativity/cards
3. Plan Ahead:
· Key issues: Family conflicts
· Key verse: Romans 12:18 “if it be possible, as much as lives within you, live peacefully with all men”.
· Pressure:
- Family traditions/Controlling parents
- Different expectations – how, when, what do
- Unresolved family issues, dysfunction
· Key: Plan ahead – Ephesians 5:1-2
- Decide what you want to do – negotiate differences.
- Focus on positive family experiences.
- ‘Talking it through’, a main strategy.
4. Avoid Excess –decide ahead:
· Key issue: Excessive food, alcohol, partying.
· Key verse: 1 Peter 4:2-5 (TLB)
· Pressure:
- Alcohol - Bad scenes
- Excessive food - Example of parents
- Loss restraint - Peer pressure teens
- Sexual sin.
· Key: Avoid access – decide ahead. Ephesians 5:18
- Teens to alcohol stand - emergency transport
- Keep parents informed - leave when tone “goes of”
- Transport home prearranged - plan alternatives
5. Include others:
· Key issues: loneliness, single people, o/seas people.
· Key verse: Psalm 68:6 - “He sets the solitary in families”. (NKJ)
· Pressure:
- People living away from family feel ‘alone’.
- Mature people without family – invite them home
- Participate in Christmas Outreach meal.
- If agree to go – If agree to go – maintain commitment to go for meal.
- Bring something to contribute.
6. Celebrate God’s Goodness:
· Key issue: Taking a “Spiritual Holiday” from God.
· Key verse: Deuteronomy 8:12-14
· Pressure:
- Holiday season
- Devil never takes a holiday.
- Sin never takes a holiday.
- Spirit of the World – secularism, partying.
· Key: Celebrate Good’s Goodness – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJ)
- Have focal points – talk to the Lord.
- Remember blessings
- Maintain devotional life.