Christmas in New York City is like nothing else in the world! From the tree lighting in Rockefeller Center and The Rockettes to the distracted tourists who can barely speak English, it’s definitely an experience one can’t describe! You just have to be here! For me, I don’t have a tree, no lights adorn the windows, and I didn’t buy one present this year. For the last two years I found myself saying, “It just doesn’t feel like Christmas!”
When looking back at the year, are you happy to see it go bye-bye? I know I am! 2011 was a rough one and I end it with no man, no job, and no permanent residence. ROUGH! Granted, it could be a lot worse and all of those things I will gain again, but in the midst of it, it can be difficult to stop and smell the pine trees. Now I possess a deeper understanding of Romans 5:3-5 when it says, “…wealso glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
While I was so involved in my own day to day drama, I settled into being the Grinch in everyone’s life. I had no desire to go to one holiday party or participate in any secret Santas, I just wanted to be left alone. This was exactly what the enemy wanted. If we are so pre-occupied with what we don’t have and what’s not right in our lives, how can we hear God and rely on his judgment and wisdom? We can’t! I reminded myself that I have access to Jesus’ peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7) . When our moods are dictated by external circumstances, we are making the choice to put Jesus’ joy (one that never ceases) aside for temporary happiness we can feel and is based solely on what’s happening around us. Make a conscious decision to focus on the breakthroughs of 2012 and I’m convinced God is upgrading us to something beyond my wildest dreams! Just the thought of a better relationship, that’s drama free, makes me smile! 
Can I get an amen?
Remembering that Jesus shed his blood and died for my sins is enough to invoke the gratitude of the Christmas season. Many people didn’t make it to see the holiday season, some are homeless, and most are still living in darkness. So Happy Birthday Jesus! My gift to you is my love, affection, and gratitude, whether I’m in the penthouse or the poorhouse! Happy Holidays!
