“When happiness shows up, always give it a comfortable seat” –Patrick Stewart, “A Christmas Carol.”
On Christmas day, most people feel they can give themselves permission to be breathe. For a few hours, they put aside their fears and frustrations, and let themselves feel joy, and be at peace in their own home. But Jesus wasn’t born (much less, crucified and resurrected) to give you a moment of rest once a year. You’re invited to live in his joy and peace, not just visit. I know how unrealistic a lifestyle of rest may seem in today’s culture. But that’s kinda the point. Your reality needs to change.
Among any good and lasting resolutions to make for your future, start with thanking God for all the good in your life until you can see your life from his perspective. Seek to know who he wants to be for you in each day, so you can see yourself, your relationships, and circumstances from inside his love, joy, and genuine peace. All the time. From that place, he transforms you to naturally (and supernaturally) overflow that and more every day, because that’s your ongoing experience in him.
The purest joy you feel at your best Christmas moment is just the doorway to the life God has for you. So come on in, sit down in a comfortable seat, and stay a while. Rest.
“The kingdom of God isn’t about rules for eating and drinking, it’s about fully living in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17).
Equip Your Spirit 