December is here again, and as Bony M and Christmas sales get us into the full-swing of things, the temptation abounds to see it as just another Christmas where we go through the typical holiday motions.
But this year, we are believing that this Christmas is going to be different! Where it so often can be a tough, stretching and lonely time for many, we are convinced that we as a Christ-following community have the mandate, resources and love to make Christmas great again, not just for us personally, but for all those around us! For us to do this, there are certain habits we need to reign in, and others that we need to kickstart.
Why don’t you take up the challenge of making this Christmas different from all the rest, and see how many of the items below you can do over the next few weeks. Some are big, some are easy but we believe that small acts done in faith can lead to a big impact.
OUT WITH THE OLD:
- STOP HOARDING
-Christmas is a great time to go through your cupboard and give away every piece of clothing that you haven’t worn in the last 5 months. And why not make it an ongoing practice that whenever you get a new item of clothing, you give one older piece away?
- WATCH LESS
-resist the temptation to just hit the couch and binge watch your favourite series or movies. Ration your series watching and rather spend that time outdoors. Why not invite friends for a walk, time on the beach or a climb up Lion’s Head?
- TAKE A SOCIAL MEDIA BREAK
-see how long you can fight off the urge to check out your notifications, tweets and Instagram feeds. Rather get really social by having friends, family and neighbours over for a braai or a coffee. Once you break your social media fast, you can post a picture of the braai that you just had!
IN WITH THE NEW:
- GET GENEROUS
-After you’ve raided your clothes cupboard, do the same with your food pantry and have piles of tinned and canned meals in your car or at your front door ready to give to any who ask for “A Christmas box”
- READ THE BIBLE WITH YOUR FAMILY
-we’ve put together a bible reading plan that kicks off the week leading up to Christmas. Take up the challenge to read the bible narratives for these seven consecutive days, but don’t do it alone! Make it a family tradition each evening with your kids, your spouse or with a group of friends. Watch out for this launching on Monday 18th December
- FORGIVE QUICKLY
-speaking of family, make the decision before the madness of Christmas dinners, in-laws arriving and your home being full 24/7 with family members, that when the inevitable moments of tension arise, you will refuse to take the bait but will rather forgive misunderstandings and conflict out of hand.
- INVITE A FRIEND TO ONE OF OUR CHRISTMAS SERVICES
– Stats show that most people would go to a Christmas service if they were just invited.
We have four options of Christmas services for you to bring a friend or family member to. Sunday 24th December at 5pm (Milnerton) and 6pm (Tableview), and then Monday 25th December at 8am (Milnerton) and 9am (Tableview).
- INVITE A NEIGHBOUR TO YOUR CHRISTMAS MEAL
-this might seem daunting, but why don’t you add an extra seat at your Christmas lunch or dinner table? Christmas is a very lonely time for many, so do a little snooping with your neighbours and find out who would best benefit from an invite to join you and your family. Take the risk. After all, the worst they can say is no.
As we let go and pick up these new habits, we believe that this Christmas could truly be one for the books, as we make Christmas great again together!
