During the Holidays

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It’s that time of year when Christmas is drawing near and everyone is super busy with all of the planning and preparations. Some are getting ready to hit the road to visit family, while others are scurrying around preparing for them to arrive. No matter where you are in this season, during the holidays enjoy the food, fun, and fellowship, but while you’re doing all of that, don’t forget to shine bright to those whom you are around.

The Holiday season can be exciting for some, but dreary for others - depending on life’s past, circumstances, hurts, family relationships, and the list could literally go on and on. To add to the mix, if you’re an extrovert, you might love all of the big discussions and room full of chatter and laughter (like myself), yet if you’re an introvert, you might enjoy just sitting quietly around a small group of family and friends (but will eventually find yourself escaping through your phone or to an upstairs room away from all of the noise for a little while).

Either way, I want to tell you that whoever you are and no matter where you are or what you’ve been through or going through, choose to be joyful and shine bright regardless. And that means whether you’re an extrovert or an introvert. God wants you to shine bright wherever you go. Because when you shine through your smile, helping in the kitchen, going run a quick errand for someone, welcoming someone at the door, sharing a kind word or encouragement, or by showing hospitality, people see Jesus in you.

Matthew 5:14-16 says, “You are the light of the world-like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

Imagine that! Imagine you are the lamp in the room. And when you’re turned on, through those good deeds and because you’ve been in the presence of God during the week, you quite naturally give light! That’s what this Scripture looks like in our reality. Jesus is all about us shining bright so that through our good deeds, others will experience the goodness of God, and they will praise Him!!! Some may even choose a life with Him, just because of your example of His love and goodness. That’s what this is all about!

Another important thing that I want to share with you before I close this post is that during the holidays, our great enemy Satan will NOT be happy that you’re spreading joy, love, peace, kindness, (basically the fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23). And 1 Peter 2:12 says, “Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors.” So remember to guard your heart and your conversations during the holiday festivities and fellowship. Because he would love to ruin everything and dim your light. So don’t let him. Instead, be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and choose right words, know when to back out of an obvious draw-in that might spark an argument, and keep shining bright because others are watching and listening.

Now, let me give you a few additional practical things you can consider during the Holidays…

• Be hospitable and helpful
• Engage in wholesome conversations
• If the Lord leads you to share your testimony with someone, go for it! Just wait for it.
• Play some board games and if your hubby likes football, snuggle up with him and watch the game (Christmas falls on a Sunday this year)
• Here’s an extra BONUS for you! When you’re out shopping (the day-after-Christmas), pray for sweet surprises (sweet favor). Meaning, when you’re at the register say, “Lord, I pray for sweet favor!” Discount! ;-)
• And don’t forget to keep a few witnessing tracts or encouragement cards in your purse while you’re out shopping, just in case God wants to use you to share His Son with someone (you can get some of these things from your local Christian bookstores). I love them!

With all of this being said, just have a good time and enjoy one another. Just remember, during this holiday season, to shine bright for Jesus!!! It’s time.

Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!

~Courtnaye

ALSO, just want to encourage you to grab my NEW book, “IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ & Moving Forward in Your Purpose!” ORDER IT TODAY right here on Amazon.com! And if you already have it and have read it, please give me a REVIEW on Amazon.com. Thanks so much in advance.

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