We hear it each time this season rolls around. That Christmas is the best time of year. This is true since people are more joyful because everyone is being intentional. They put others first and give cheerfully. People listen to uplifting music all around and the Christmas lights are seen at night which keeps the neighborhoods bright. I remember saying as a kid that I wish Christmas could be every day. I have learned that it can! Everyday is Christmas once we start to put our focus on several things, but first we need to know the reason for Christmas in the first place.
Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ on earth. While it may be hard for others to understand, people need to recognize the very reason He came. Once we are aware of what exactly Jesus came down to earth for then we can open our hearts to Him. He came because darkness took over the earth and people's hearts. Darkness lead to hopelessness and a void within everyone. Jesus is the light of the world. He came to expose the darkness and bring hope to everyone. This is consistent to the account of creation. In the beginning the earth was formless and darkness covered the waters (Genesis 1:1-2). Then God said 'Let there be light." Jesus birth was another symbolism to an appearance of light bursting in the darkness. Though, at this time there was darkness of hopelessness, sadness, oppression, and depression within people's hearts and minds. People were scrutinize and enslaved to their sins, as most people are currently live under today. In other words, darkness had taken over the world again as well as darkness inside people's hearts.
Take a second to visualize yourself in darkness. You would do whatever it takes to find the light switch or fear would slowly begin to consume you. This is how people felt back in those times. They wanted to see hope, but darkness consumed everything. Then when all hope seemed to be lost suddenly light burst with the birth of Jesus here on earth. His very arrival is salvation to our souls. He came to bring hope which allows faith and belief to grow. He came to rescue and save you from sin which leads to death. Sin blinds and binds everyone to the truth of who they are and their outcome. It keeps us held in darkness, fear, and shame. Sin is a three-letter word that will lead to our everlasting end. Jesus came personally to erase the penalty of sin, which is death and give us the opportunity to receive everlasting life.
He also came to give us the opportunity to have an abundant life to live today on earth, once we ask Him to live in our heart. Again, this can be hard for others to truly understand, but this is the true meaning of Christmas (His first coming). He could of came in a more triumphant way. Though He chose to humble himself, be born a child, grew up to live a sinless life, so we can relate to Him and chose to receive Him in our lives. This symbolizes Gods love that the light is not forceful, but graceful for everyone. If you are consumed with inner darkness, hopelessness, and fear look to Jesus. I pray you allow His light to penetrate deep within your heart and expel any fear within you. May He remove any darkness in your life with His light. I pray in time you will realize the true gift of Jesus, His love for you, and His lessons He taught about the Kingdom of Heaven. When we chose to follow Him then we can live out Christmas everyday and here is how:
The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. Isaiah 9:2 NLT
And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21 NLT
Each day is a gift itself. I know deep down people want to wake up pain free. Everyone is dealing with pain in some sort. Waking up in pain robs us of our joy. I want this post to be healing for anyone who reads this. If you wake up every morning in pain may you be healed in Jesus name. He is the God of miracles and wonders. I believe by faith that you are healed as your eyes scan these very words. May you feel strength surge through your spirit and your bones. In Jesus power and mighty name, Amen!
Getting out of bed pain free is one of the greatest gifts of all. We can jump out and get ready for the day. Then it is joy that we immediately receive. The gift of Jesus by spending time with Him in the word and prayer. Your life is a blessing and a gift. When you receive Jesus in your life you receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit helps reveals what our actually spiritual gifts are. Then our gift is to give our specific spiritual gifts to others. You have a purpose to be purposeful to others which is the second gift below. Purpose propels us out of bed and gives us a reason to be ready for the day.
Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. The were terrified, but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people." Luke 2:9-10 NLT
For his anger lasts only a moment but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalms 30:5 NLT
Then Jesus came over and touched them. "Get up," he said. "Don't be afraid." Matthew 17:7 NLT
Every day is an opportunity to help others. We might not give a physical gift, but we can aid with money, words, and physical presence. Break down walls of others by giving cheerfully and intentionally daily. When you spend time with others you are letting them know they are valued. People are also walking around hopeless or just give up so easily. You have an opportunity to provide hope and encourage them to never give up. How can you help people never give up? Know what everyone is up against which is oppression and opposition from evil powers in the unseen world. You combat this by being the light in the dark.
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Hebrews 10:24 NLT
God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10 NLT
And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God Titus 2:12
And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Titus 2:7 NLT
There is evil in this world. Darkness tries to take up every corner of the earth, but light can expel it. You are meant to shine bright in the night and expel fear through love. People are battling against the ruler of this world, Satan. We use Gods mighty weapons to fight against the spiritual warfare that is all around us. Learn to speak life over people and pray over them (with them or in private). Fight on your knees and expect God to fight for them, which He does. This life is a battle of good vs evil. Darkness plagues the hearts of all people. The only way to help them is expose them to light. Jesus is the good and the light of this world. We can spread the Good News to others, so they don’t have to live in the darkness and fear. Be heroic and fight for those who struggle to fight back. Give them a reason to keep fighting and to never give up. Love is the light that penetrates their hearts. Love on others by doing what is right. Do the right thing because it is the right thing to do. Doing good does not always mean it will be good for you, but it is good as long as it is good for them. Conquer this evil world by doing good. Arm yourself daily with the Armor of God and get your mind ready for a daily battle to fight for others.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:5 NLT
This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. 1 John 1:5 NLT
Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. Romans 12:21 NLT
Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. 1 John 4:18 NLT
As you shift your mindset that Christmas is everyday take the time to train intentionally with the twelve marks of a follower of Jesus.
1) Give Generously
2) Forgive Frequently
3) Pray Persistently
4) Believe Courageously
5) Love Sacrificially
6) Live Thankfully
7) Do Good Works Continually
8) Serve Gratefully
9) Work Enthusiastically
10) Encourage Powerfully
11) Provide Truth Humbly and Gracefully
12) Share the Gospel Boldly
Since you are going out into the world to serve and fight for others. That means there is importance to be physically fit and ready, so below start training physically daily. Start by doing the twelve days of Fit-mas to prepare you for the journey ahead. Then propel into the new year with who you are meant to be. Remember, working out is worship because it is stewardship of what we have been given and a sign of thankfulness (as long as we don't idolize our bodies). Take time to read the Christmas story in Matthew and Luke in the bible.
Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit. 3 John 1:2 NLT
Day 1
3 Rounds
Jumping Jacks or Jump Rope x 30 sec
Planks x 20 sec
Incline chair or floor push-ups x 10
Cool down: Walk 5-10 min
Day 2
3 Rounds
Jumping Jacks or Jump Rope x 45 sec
Side Planks x 15 sec each
Body Weight Squats x 10
Cool Down: Walk 5-15 min
Day 3
4 Rounds
Planks x 30 seconds
Push-ups x 15 Reps
Shoulder Taps x 5 each
Cool Down: Walk 15-20min
Day 4
4 Rounds
Side Planks x 20 sec each
Body Weight Squats x 15
Step-ups (find a stair step) x 8 each
Cool Down: Walk 5-10 min
Day 5
3 Rounds
Jumping Jacks or Jump Rope x 60 sec
Push-up Plank Hold x 45 sec
Push-ups x 15
Day 6
Active Rest: Walk 15-45 min
Day 7
4 Rounds
Walk 5 min
Jog 3 min
Day 8
3-4 Rounds
Mountain Climbers x 30 sec
Side Planks x 20 seconds each
Body Weight Squats x 12
Push-ups x 12
Day 9
Warm-up: Squat Jumps or Jump Rope x 20 sec for 3 rounds
Push-ups and Body Weight Squats
Do 5 at a time for a total of 100
Cool Down: Walk 15 min
Day 10
3-4 rounds
Walk 2 min
Jog 5 min
Day 11
Walk/Jog total of 2 miles at own pace
Day 12
Warm-up of choice
Max Push-ups
Max Body Weight Squats
Remember Everyday can be Christmas
• Jolt of Joy in the Morning
• Gift of life and spiritual gifts
• Opportunities to give hope and encouragement
• Be the Light in the Dark
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Everyday can be Christmas. It takes intentional focus and a daily drive to be the light to others. Allow the light within each of you shine bright. Look to the one where light comes from, Jesus. (This post has practical steps spiritually, mentally, and physically to help you see that Christmas is meant to be everyday).
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