The Best Christmas is Found When We Consider
I have achieved my gift purchasing stride… but I have supposedly completed my Christmas shopping. A free day finally unveiled itself on my calendar and I spent the day shopping with a friend. We bought gifts, had lunch, and even treated ourselves to a Christmas deal or two. After I got home, I jumped online and checked the rest of my gifts off my list.
Now is the time to breathe deep, relax, and enjoy other holiday activities. I should be able to afford time to bake, watch a holiday movie, or spend an evening with friends. Unfortunately, now I’ve got the Buying Bug, and I keep thinking of more great gift ideas. The “ideal Christmas,” the one you see in movies and read about in novels, is calling to me. I imagine if I buy that extra present, Christmas will be even better; I will achieve Christmas Queen status.
My Ideal Christmas and the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit gently interjected Himself into my fresh flurry of animated wondering. He softly whispered “Pause” to my grandiose imaginings.
The morning I had mentally scheduled to begin writing this week’s blog, I chose instead to peruse online for one of my great extra gift ideas. I was not finding what I thought would be Pinterest perfect, so I moved on to Facebook and Instagram. As I distractedly scrolled through cute celebrating-Christmas-type photos, I sensed God’s Spirit nudging me to stop and consider.
Consider was the word that had grabbed my attention when I read James 1:1-4 in my morning time with Jesus. James says in verse two “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” None of us want to see troubles as something we celebrate, so what does it mean to “consider?”
The Meaning of “Consider”
The Merriam Webster dictionary has 6 possible definitions for consider: 1. To think about carefully; 2. To regard or treat in an attentive or kindly way; 3. To gaze on steadily or reflectively; 4. To come to judge or classify; 5. Regard; 6. Suppose.
It often helps me understand the full spectrum of a word when I also know synonyms for that word. Synonyms for consider are acknowledge, analyze, bear in mind, contemplate, examine, hold an opinion, inspect, meditate, muse, ponder, scrutinize, study, take under advisement, and think over.
Why James says “Consider”
James wanted the scattered twelve tribes to hit the pause button when life wasn’t going as they wanted and rethink their circumstance in light of Jesus Christ. He states that difficulties are an opportunity to experience joy because joy comes from enduring through tough situations and learning Jesus provides all we need.
To consider doesn’t mean we deny something is hard. Considering doesn’t turn off our emotions regarding our suffering or sorrow. When we consider, we take the time to look at events without our emotions dictating our response. We slow down and pay attention to details; we process with the intent of seeing a fresh perspective; we allow God’s Spirit to enable us to reflect upon our circumstance and our feelings toward the circumstance with His wisdom, His love toward us, and His view toward life and eternity.
“Considering” as the Christmas Queen
Striving to be Christmas Queen isn’t a hardship, and I still needed to hit the pause button and rethink the goal in view of my Savior, Jesus. James was encouraging his readers to not fall into the trap of seeing life from a worldly perspective where everything was about one’s comforts and convenience. I was singing the same song, different verse.
It’s so easy for us to see Christmas through the eyes of this world, making our celebration more about celebrating family than celebrating Jesus. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for the gift giving and the big meal and the gathering of everyone from your clan; it’s a wonderful tradition. And is it also possible, we need to pause and consider?
What if?
What would happen if we approached Christmas day considering…?
- Consider it is Jesus’ birthday celebration. Do you have a gift for Him?
- Consider Jesus came as the best gift we could ever receive, better than a new watch, a new game or a new cashmere sweater.
- Consider Jesus’ perspective of life is different from our human perspective. (see my blog “The Truth of God is found in His Celebration Style.”)
- Consider Jesus says to give to the poor and help those in need, not stockpile for yourself.
- Consider what the Angel of the Lord said to the shepherds: “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.” (Luke 2:10 NLT)
- Consider we find joy in what God has already given and not in the gift you wrapped with such care.
- Consider we are to praise God just as the angels did when they sang “Glory to God in highest heaven.” (Luke 2:14 NLT)
- Consider God gives peace to those who please Him. (Luke 2:14 NLT)
Hit the Pause Button
I admit, I still want to buy Christmas pajamas for everyone, it sounds so silly, and so fun. And it doesn’t matter if it happens or not. God’s Spirit has tendered my heart to consider how I can better reflect Jesus with each present I wrap and give. These final days of Advent are an opportunity to share the greatest joy to those who have yet to meet the Christ in the manger at the cross. Won’t you join me and hit the pause button? Please stop, if only for a moment or two, and consider.
“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 NLT
I grew up in the church but was not aware of Advent season. After marriage and many years later I became aware and learned about it as we as a church celebrate it every year. To be honest during several years it was just a nice “message” at church but in the past few years I’ve really tried to stop and “consider” Advent. Now whatever the theme is for that week, I spend my time in prayer considering either Hope, Peace, Joy or Love. It has made a difference in how I “consider” Christmas. As I’ve done this each week, it’s helped me reflect more on Him even in the midst of my own concerns and struggles, or those for whom I am praying.
Have a wonderful Christmas!! And I hope you are blessed in your gift giving as well as receiving. Karen