I sat down recently to prepare a holiday talk for a few mom’s groups I was asked to share with this fall. I decided to revisit the story of the Wise Men as I considered what it means to let grace guide us through the holiday season.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come to the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshipped him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to him: gold, frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:10-11 NKJV
The Wise Men were the first to “celebrate Christmas.” Their desire to see Jesus was prompted by curiosity and encouraged by Herod, who wanted to know where to find the baby King.
So the Wise Men set out on their journey, following the star that led the way. I’m not sure if the Wise Men knew how they’d respond when they finally saw the Child. It seems as though their awe may have taken them by surprise. The Bible tells us upon seeing the child they, “fell down and worshipped him.” Then, after presenting him with their treasures of gold, frankincense and myrrh, they prepared to leave. But having been warned in a dream, the Wise Men did not return to Herod after visiting Baby Jesus. The Bible says, “they departed for their own country, another way.”
Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country, another way. Matthew 2:12 NKJV
Just like the Wise Men were prompted by Herod, our queue to celebrate Christmas often comes from the culture around us. Family tradition, the national holiday schedule and church events all drive our celebration of the season. There is nothing wrong with the festivity and fun that comes with the season, but what if, before we get wrapped up in the Christmas crazy, we choose to go another way?
My prayer is that our holiday season would lead us to rejoicing, with exceedingly great joy, rather than trudging through with feelings of defeat, exhaustion and disappointment. When we follow the Star throughout the season, we keep our eyes and our hearts fixed on the real reason we celebrate. We rejoice as we encounter him. We surrender our expectations and plans as we fall down in worship. We are so wrapped up in Jesus that we don’t get caught up in culture – we go “another way” – just as the Wise Men chose to do.
Our greatest strategy in allowing grace to guide us through this holiday season is to fix our eyes on the Grace-Giver as he leads us to “go another way” – the way He reveals for our own unique family. Grace is the free and unmerited favor of God. How much more beautiful and meaningful could our holidays be if we allow his favor {HIS BEST} to guide us?!
In Jesus’ own words, we read in John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Herod was that thief and his plan was to steal, kill and destroy our Savior. But he didn’t succeed because the Wise Men chose to go their own way. The very reason Jesus came was to give us abundant life. When we choose HIS BEST for us and go the way he’s calling us to go, we experience life to the fullest!
So how do we keep our eyes on the Star and let grace guide us through the holiday season? I think we can find our way by walking with the Wise Men:
- Journey Toward Jesus – Our destination; our goal for everything we put our hearts, hands and time to in the next two months should be Jesus. Keep him in sight and decide that everything you do must bring you closer to him. This doesn’t mean you can’t do something that is non-spiritual, fun. Joy is his gift to us. If your family finds joy in a particular seasonal activity that isn’t overtly spiritual, by all means, do it. If that thing causes stress or tension or overshadows something else, think twice about it.
- Stop and Worship – We need to make room for regular pauses throughout the season. This can be through an Advent devotional, a special holiday service or just while driving in the car and listening to Christmas music. Take time to stop and soak in the beauty of Christ. Express gratitude for the gift of Jesus and the grace he brings.
- Find YOUR Way Home – We can’t be afraid to have our holiday look differently than that of our friends or family. Look at blog posts, Pinterest boards and Facebook feeds through a Holy Spirit lens. Ask him to show you what YOU need to be doing and not doing this year. Don’t be afraid to say no to something everyone else is doing to leave room for something he’s calling you to do this year.
When we keep our eyes on the Star, we will find our own way – the unique plan he has for our family – through the holiday season. It can be as simple or as extravagant as you want it to be. Let grace be your guide to enjoying every moment of anticipation, preparation and adoration this Christmas.
Friends, do you need to go your own way this holiday? What steps can you take this week to follow the Star to your best Christmas yet?
We offer several seasonal resources here on the blog. We always hope you consider these ideas with your family in mind. These posts are suggestions and should never make you feel obligated to participate. If you have family traditions or celebration ideas you think other moms would like to know about, please feel free to share them in the comments or on our Facebook page.
How to Set a Thanksgiving Legacy Table
Grow with Me Family Advent Devotional
Walk with the Wisemen, an elf on the shelf alternative
A Wise Man’s Gift Plan, 3 gift strategy to keep Christ in Christmas
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