The book of Colossians has so many amazing lessons for such a short little book. I am always amazed at how God can open His Word with such awesome power and revelation. There are many admonitions in Colossians and we all know there are a lot of pitfalls in the holidayseason. Every year there are new temptations to overspend, overeat, and overdo. More and more, these stresses last all year round and by the time we hit the holidays, we are exhausted before we even get started. Thankfully God gives us solutions through His loving word.
Step 1: We need to realize we are on the road to victory. Later in Colossians we are reminded that if we have repented and accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are complete. We are dead in our sins and triumphing over them. If we are walking in the faith, we aren’t just struggling with sin any longer. Now we are triumphing over them. Yeah!
Step 2: We are not to let people judge us especially in respect of holidays. We need to be especially careful not to judge ourselves or compare ourselves to others during the holidays. We shouldn’t worry about whether our home is decorated enough, about whether we cook enough food, or even celebrate on a particular day or in a particular way. If we are risen with Christ then we are to seek those things which are above. Our affections are on things above, not on things on the earth. Holidays are supposed to be Holy-Days for Him. What does He want us to do this year? He sure doesn’t want us to wear ourselves out, go into debt for gifts, or make our selves sick. (Colossians 2:16)
Step 3: We should remember others. We are to concentrate on being holy, loving, merciful, kind, humble, meek, and patient. It’s important, especially during the holidays to be enduring and forgiving to one another. Holiday stress tends to be trying on everyone. We need to remind ourselves that above all things; love is the bond of perfectness. Everything we do in word or deed should all be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God. Let us be an example of wisdom to those less fortunate, using our time wisely, and letting everything we say be always with grace. (Colossians 3:12-15)
Step 4: We must let the peace of God and thankfulness (Colossians 3:15-17) rule in our hearts by spending special time in prayer (Colossians 1:19-20) during theholiday season.
"Let us continue in the faith; approaching each day with prayer and thanksgiving, remembering to walk in love, and delighting the simple joys of this holiday season."(Colossians 4:2-6)