Effects of the Holidays on The Heart
How easy it is in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season to neglect or become distracted in our walk with the Lord. We can get so consumed with meal planning and preparation, decorating, parties, shopping, church activities, and the like that it preoccupies our thought life, builds anxieties within us, leads to stress, and pulls us from normal routines.
Prepare your heart. Before you get in the throes of it all, make a plan for how you will keep on track. Commit now to keeping Him first, to making time for Him regardless of how busy you get. Take time to read Matthew 6:33-34. What will you do to nurture your walk with God?
Article: So Much of … Everything but Jesus Over the Holidays
Prepare your people. Hebrews 10:24 exhorts us to spur one another on to love and good deeds. The holidays are no exception for exercising the “one another” passages of Scripture. You could help by using a curriculum over the holidays intended to keep us focused. Click on the titles below to read more about two published by Ministry Tools Resource Center for adult classes.
Curriculum: Christmas Reminders
Curriculum: May Jesus Help Our Christmas
Prepare for the Effects on Church Life
Prepare yourself as a teacher or ministry leader. Be ready for the effects of the holidays on people. Remember that people need you to be there for them, not just physically but relationally as well. During the holidays it is easy to get distracted and self-absorbed and neglect important relationships. Remember the effects of holidays on attendance, giving, and other areas. Be prepared for it but don’t get discouraged. Make the most of the season.
Article: Holidays and the Church
Worksheet: Intruders in the Classroom: Holidays & Other Special Events