Merry Christmas! I’ll be wishing you this all month long, because Christmas is hands-down my favorite holiday. It is. I love everything about it. Especially the heart of Christmas–Jesus. There’s a special joy in the air and the twinkling lights add a beautiful touch to the spirit of Christmas. Just last night, looking out our north windows I could see for miles numerous clusters of Christmas lights from people’s homes and farms scattered over the horizon against the dark backdrop of a moonlight sky. The sight made me nearly gasp. Over there years I’ve noticed a few, but nothing like I beheld last night. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year for this girl. I’m learning to stay present this holiday season!
Now I know, I don’t represent every single person’s feelings on this holiday, because some of us don’t care for it. Some of us believe it’s too commercialized, too depressing, too exhausting, or too over-the-top. I can certainly appreciate and understand all of these views. I understand how this season can be difficult and stressful and discouraging. The year my mom passed away nine days before Christmas was difficult to say the least.
So, please know, however you feel about this holiday season, you have space here with me. I’m with you and I am praying for you–I’m praying for each of us! No matter how we feel about it, one very important point is to stay present in it.
Because who wants to miss one moment of what God has for us in this season?
Not me, and I’m guessing not you, either. The thing is, if we don’t stay present, that’s exactly what happens. We miss what God is doing in our lives, in the lives of those around us, and in the world around us. When we live distracted, we miss what’s truly special in this season.
In this episode I share 5 ways to stay present this holiday season.
They aren’t complicated or difficult, but they help us live in the moment and not miss what’s important.
Click on the player above to listen to the full 17-minute episode.
These five ways not only help us stay present this holiday season, but they’ll enable us to enjoy this season a little more! We also discuss the reason why we celebrate Christmas and the importance of it all. Plus I invite you to pray with me.
Friend, I pray your holiday season is filled with everything of Jesus. I pray you are able to stay present this holiday season and to live in and soak up every moment. As I mention in my book, Right Now Matters, God is with us right now, and this is the reason right now does matter. May you feel His presence, His peace, and see His provision this season in your life. Thanks for being here today. Merry Christmas and God bless you!
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Thank you Julie … I just listened to podcast 122 and all I can say is. WOW! how timely was that?
I really needed to hear this today. The past few Christmas seasons have been extremely difficult and I have felt so much like I missed out ,…. by the time I realized it was Christmas the day was past. This year I have already asked God to place Christmas in my heart once more. I want to be totally present for evrything He has for me …. I tried to explain my feelings to a friend, but she did not get it!!!
So, thank you …. this has encouraged my heart.
Leslie, I get it!! I have experienced the exact same scenarios over the years, waking up the day after Christmas, realizing I missed the joy and hope and peace this season brings. I missed Christmas! I was present, but not really, and I was so “busy” doing the things that really didn’t matter. I’m so glad to read you are already seeking God in this. He will help us stay present and live in every moment this season. I’m thankful we get to walk this road together. Thanks for listening and for sharing!
Thank you Julie. I value this message . Today in my present state I can ask God to be present with me so that I can be present around those who attend to me while being not well. I need to look for the title of your book.
Hi Julia! Thank you for your comment and for reaching out. I’m sorry you aren’t well. I am praying for you today. The title of my book is Right Now Matters. May it bless you and encourage you!