The holidays are a wonderful time for reflection. As we share in the joys of this holiday season, I found it refreshing to look at Christmas using the wisdom of King Solomon.
A reflection of the wisdom spoken by Solomon in Ecclesiastes 3 is needed at so many times in our lives: the beginning of a relationship, the start of a new year, and also at Christmas.
Take the journey with me through A Time for Christmas. Hopefully, we can use his wisdom to make our holiday this year, a season we will never forget.
“A time to be born” – birth new traditions in your family this year.
“A time to die” – die to grudges, bitterness, or the harried running about
“A time to plant” – plant seeds of faith in others
“A time to uproot” – uproot selfish tendencies, uproot your comfort zone to serve others
“A time to kill” – kill unnecessary activities
“A time to heal” – help heal broken relationships, start with a kind word or gesture
“A time to tear down” – tear down any personal walls or unhealthy coping skills
“A time to build” – building long lasting traditions, build true community, build family
“A time to weep” – if you’re grieving a loved one, it’s okay to cry
“A time to laugh” – laugh with the ones you love
“A time to mourn” – mourn for the needy, mourn for the persecuted church
“A time to dance” - grab your husband or your kids, put on the music, and cut a rug!
“A time to scatter stones” – what stones in your heart do you need to throw away to prepare your heart as good soil for Christ?
“A time to gather them” – how can you tribute a lost loved one? Write a poem, maybe call their family?
“A time to embrace” – hug and hold the ones you love
“A time to refrain” – refrain from unnecessary shopping, and remember, you don’t have to be at everything this holiday season
“A time to search” – search for true unity with God, search for wisdom during the holidays
“A time to give up” – give up television, give up control
“A time to keep” – keep what’s most important in your family this season
“A time to throw away” – simply throw away, declutter your life and your home
“A time to tear” – tear up the credit cards!
“A time to mend” – mend any broken or strained family bonds
“A time to be silent” – have a silent night with your family, and Honor Jesus, the King
“A time to speak” – understand and hold to your personal boundaries with gift giving, speak love and say ‘I love you’ – a lot.
“A time to love” – love in your neighborhood, home, even risk loving again
“A time to hate” – hate poverty, hate oppression, absolutely hate our own sin
“A time for war” – wage war on consumerism, wage war on spending the least amount for the most thoughtful gift.
“A time for peace” – create peace in your neighborhood, in your life, and in your home
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven."
Ecclesiastes 3:1-9
Enjoy wonderful blessings this holiday season!
