I’m beginning a new sermon series called ‘Tis the Season that will last through New Year. Over the next several weeks, I’ll be dealing with a variety of themes such as showing mercy, giving thanks, as well as several Christmas themed sermons. Each of my sermons will have a specific application point that can be put into practice. If interested, you can follow my sermons here.

One of the main reasons I’m writing is that the holidays can be an emotional time of year. On one hand, they can be joyous, fun, and entertaining. On the other hand, the holidays can be can be lonely, troubled, and difficult. Between decorating and travel, family and friends, and programs and parties, the holidays are busy.

Let me provide some suggestions that might assist us in having a blessed rather than burdened holiday season.

1. Take time to be thankful. Too often the busyness and events of the holidays demand all of our time and attention. Find some time to pause, pray, and especially give thanks for all the blessings God has given you.
2. Be quick to forgive. Christmas is a time of giving. Let us give forgiveness to that family member, friend, neighbor or co-worker with whom we have a broken relationship.
3. Slow down. I realize I’m asking a lot here because most of us work hard to get ready to take time away for travel and other activities. Please don’t let the activities of the season drown out your ability to slow down and enjoy the true meaning of the season.
4. Give a little extra. The Christmas season is a popular time to give above your tithes to help those in need. Christmas reminds us of the greatest gift—salvation through Jesus Christ. If any season should lead us to generosity, it is Christmas.
5. Make time for someone who might be lonely. For many, the holidays represent who is no longer An important ministry this season could be simply spending time with someone who is alone. You can be their gift by just making time for them.
6. Remember the season’s Reason. We would have little reason to thanks were God not so good and faithful to us. We would have no reason to celebrate Christmas without the advent of the Christ-child and his redemptive purpose for coming to earth. Above all else this season, think of Christ.

A week ago today, my family and I were recovering from a stay in the hospital with Nathan. We also learned a week ago today of a tragic death in the life of our church family at Wilkesboro Baptist.  As it turned out, he had a bad virus that took our generally happy 18 month old and made him a feverish lethargic little boy. You can tell from this recent picture, he’s doing much better.

My emotions last week were a wreck. When you are sent from the doctor to the lab to get blood work and from the lab results to the ER, it is never news you want to receive—especially when it is your child. I wish I could say my faith was solid as a rock, but it was not. Jean and I spent a fair amount of time last week questioning. But God taught me some important things from last week’s experience.

1. God will never allow you to face more than “He” can bear. I’m certain I was in over my head last week, but God was not. We made it through the emotional roller coaster of last week on God’s grace and strength.
2. Prayer is tremendously important. Many of you reading this blog prayed for us last week. My church family and friends were praying for us last week. And I sensed God’s grace, strength, and calmness through it all. He was faithful, and your prayers were felt.
3. When the church cares, Christ is honored. All the cards, well-wishes, gifts, meals, and encouragements revealed how much we as a family are loved in our new home. Thank you for your love and care to our family last week.
4. Even a little faith in a big God is enough. I knew “theologically” that the amount of faith is less important than the source of faith. After last week, I understand that to be true experientially as well. God provided grace, strength, healing, and calmness last week even when my “amount” of faith was truly not enough for what God provided.

This week has been one of reflection and gratitude. I want to thank you all for your prayers, thoughts, gifts, and meals. I want to brag on my church family specifically. Wilkesboro Baptist Church is a loving, caring church. You made my family and I feel loved, cared for, and prayed for. I’m honored to serve as your Senior Pastor and thankful God put you in our lives.