Hi, I’m Joni. Oh December! A time of peace, and joy …
Or is it? I mean, you know how it is. Overspending and overeating, too many presents to wrap, too many strings of lights to untangle, too many parties, and too many battles over manger scenes in the public square. And as if the trampling from Black Friday was not enough, you find yourself once more fighting for that parking spot to hit the Christmas sales rack, right? I tell you, if I see one more picket line protesting “Merry Christmas” instead of the ever-popular “Happy Holidays,” I will scream! Whatever happened to Christmas—to that peaceful, heartwarming, wonderfully slow time of year?
My good friend, Steve Estes has something to say about it. You see, Steve is convinced that the book of Proverbs can shed some light on your Christmas this year. I know, I know what you’re thinking, What does the book of Proverbs have to teach me about the ‘true meaning’ of Christmas? Well, take this well-versed Proverb: “You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.” And now, take a look at last year’s Christmas. Were there plans you had that didn’t come out just the way you expected? Maybe it was the once-a-year visit to Grandma and Grandpa, only for your flight to be cancelled due to a snowstorm. Lesson learned: Christmas time shouldn’t be the only time to visit your parents, right? Or maybe, it was that new pie recipe that you had eagerly planned to use to impress your mother-in-law—only to later find out that you missed the “b” in tablespoons and used teaspoons instead! God’s purpose in that half-baked pie was maybe to remind you that Jesus—and your in-laws—are more interested in your heart, than in your baking skills. Looks like King Solomon, who wrote Proverbs can relate to “recipes gone bad,” after all!
But what if your Christmas this year will not be filled with never-ending shopping lists, family vacations or a sumptuous feast? If this December you find yourself alone in a new city, wondering if the only stuffing you’ll eat will come from a frozen, TV dinner. Or if in this holiday season, you are grieving the loss of a relative, the loss of your job, or even, the loss of a sharp mind and an agile body. Oh, friend, you are not alone. It was Solomon who confessed in Proverbs 14 that, yes, even in such a “jolly” season—“even in laughter, the heart may ache.” And it was Jesus, the one whom we celebrate this time of year, who gave his life and suffered on that cross during Passover, a time of festivity in Israel. How could we not share these Proverbs and the Gospel message with those who hurt during this holiday season?
Yes, I think you’ll agree: There’s not one of us who doesn’t long for the way Christmas should be celebrated—purposeful and peaceful—a season where Jesus Christ truly has the spotlight. Well, my friend Steve has dug deep into the book of Proverbs, giving us a genuine guide to that place of serenity in the heart of Christ. It’s all written down in this wonderful new book called A Better December. You can find out more in this month’s ministry newsletter from Joni and Friends, or you can find it online at joniandfriends.org. And while you’re visiting, don’t forget to ask for your free copy of The Christmas Story. It’s a free pamphlet for you this month of December to give away to friends who aren’t real sure about the reason for the season. Just visit me today at joniandfriends.org.
© Joni and Friends, 2013
Compliments of Joni and Friends
PO Box 3333 Agoura Hills, CA 91376