God Squad

It is pretty easy to get lost in the noise and busyness of shopping, decorating the house, putting up Christmas lights, baking, cleaning, making travel plans, attending office parties,  and mailing Christmas cards of course.  Look at anyone’s “to do” list this time of year and the answer seems obvious.  The Christmas season can feel more like a burden than a holiday.  We add to the seasonal stress with our desire to make Christmas “perfect” for our families.  Somehow people have bought into the idea that adding more to the holiday makes it better when the opposite is true.  This time of year is inherently hectic; now add on the stress and strain of being a military family.

You have the stress of being a single parent while your service member is gone.  When things break, you have the stress of repairing the house or finding a reliable contractor.  You have the stress of maintaining a long distance relationship.  You may also have the stress of living on one income.  It’s already difficult to stay sane this time of year, but military families have a greater burden.

Here are a couple of ways to improve your Christmas season.  First, establish boundaries.  These can be on time, finances, activities, school, etc.  Be honest on what tasks are reachable.  Recognize your limits and focus on the truly important things you need to accomplish.  If something is out of bounds, then ask for help from a friend or family member.  Evenings and weekends are limited and easily overcrowded with activities.  Dedicate time to necessary events and people.

Second, make time for those you love.  Christmas is tough when your soldier is deployed.  Make it better by spending time together on the phone, chatting online, sharing pictures, mailing care packages, or saying hello through a webcam.  Make time for your family at home.  Turn off your cell phones and give your gamers a rest.  Call it an electronic fast if need be, but spend time talking to one another eye to eye instead of sending a text message.

Third, focus on Christmas.  This is more than a consumer holiday and reindeer.  It is the celebration of Christ’s arrival on earth.  It is God fulfilling His promise of salvation to the world through Jesus, our Savior.  Angels could no longer stay silent.  Shepherds were blinded by glorious beams of light.  Wise men crossed the desert to worship Him.  And we should continue in these patterns of worship.  Whether it is telling a cashier, “Merry Christmas” or reading the Christmas story to your children, proclaim the birth of Jesus.  Whether it is dropping change in a red kettle or lighting an advent candle, let the light of Christ shine.  Whether it is a work day or the weekend, sacrifice time to worship our new born King.

We all want the perfect Christmas experience this year.  Don’t let the hectic pace of this world blind you.  Remember that the perfect Christmas had nothing to do with presents, cards, or strands of twinkle lights.  The day was made perfect by the birth of Jesus, the Son of God, our Savior and Redeemer.  May His birth continue to give you peace.