Ministries:
Adult | Teens | Children

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Sermon Series:
Following Jesus
Earthly Cross
His Name Is
Apostles Creed
Dealing with Feelings
Jonah
Get Real
Promised Land Living

Grace Church
257 Kendall Street
Burlington, WI 53105

(262) 763-3021

Email:
Pastor Scott Carson

Secretary Patti Hall

PASTOR'S PENS 2005

Grace Church of Burlington December 11, 2005 “Oh look, yet another Christmas TV special! How touching to have the meaning of Christmas brought to us by cola, fast food, and beer...Who'd have ever guessed that product consumption, popular entertainment, and spirituality would mix so harmoniously?”                Bill Watterson               Have you heard about the latest Christmas trend? Upside-down Christmas trees (and no, I’m not making this up). One New York company, HammacherSchlemmer, can't keep their $599.95 pre-lit model in stock. It's already sold out. Accord to Joe Jamrosz of Hammacher Schlemmer, “We increased the amount we ordered from last year, but ended up selling all of them already.” And not to be left behind, Target has three such upside-down trees ($299.99-$499.99) on its website, touting their best attribute: "Leaves more room on the floor for gifts!" These artificial trees are hung from the wall or ceiling, or come with a weighted base to provide extra stability to prevent tipping and leaning.             Now I doubt that most of us will have upside down trees this year, but the Christmas season certainly has a way of turning our lives upside down. It’s estimated that 20% of us suffer from serious holiday stress. Most of us tend to overspend at Christmas. Each year our gift list gets longer and longer. And we often feel that we have to somehow top and outspend last year’s gift. Add to that, as our kids grow older the items on their list become much more expensive. A toy for a toddler is relatively inexpensive but just one game for the new X-box can cost $50 each.             Without question Christmas shopping is one of the most stressful aspects of the Season. It’s can be for the brave or the crazy...or a little bit of both. The huge crowds, the cold, crabby clerks, crying children and cantankerous customers can make the whole thing a nightmare. Then, there is the frustration of finding that perfect gift for that one special person that everyone seems to be out of.             For some people Christmas can also make existing problems seem even bigger. It emphasizes how unhappy they are. While everyone else appears to be enjoying the holiday, they know how miserable they feel...and other’s happiness only accents their unhappiness. Others have some idealistic picture of Christmas in their minds and they are either disappointed or frustrated when it doesn’t happen as they pictured.             So how can you keep from having an upside down Christmas?             First of all, don’t overdo it. Most of us tend to overeat and undersleep during the Christmas Season. While the holidays are a wonderful opportunity to break from the routine, that routine also helps keep us spiritually and emotionally healthy.             Keep up your devotions and quiet time. In fact, use that extra time off to spend some special time with the Lord. If you have an exercise routine, try to stay on it. Go to bed at a reasonable time. Many tasks that we feel “must” be done will really be done better the next morning. Limit your TV viewing. The holidays should be about relationships, not staring at the one-eyed monster. And if you’ve had an alcohol or substance abuse issue, the holidays can acerbate that. Make plans beforehand to not fall again. Have someone hold you accountable. Too many foolishly use alcohol to deal with holiday stress.             Be realistic too. Some of us have this picture of Christmas that is more Norman Rockwell than realistic. If Sue and John couldn’t get along before Christmas, it’s doubtful that they will get along just because it is Christmas. Christmas has a way of bringing out those old family issues and animosities. If someone has an issue, let it be their issue.             Christmas is a wonderful time. It doesn’t have to be upside down. But we must exercise some godly wisdom and keep things under control. Perfection is a fantasy. Keep the important things in proper priority – Jesus really is the reason for the season. It’s a time to celebrate His birth and a special time to spend with family and friends. Everything else is just tinsel.