TIME OFF

Christmas is finally here again!!!

Everyone has different reasons as to why Christmas is so special to them, for some, it's a time to spend with family, some a time to receive gifts, some a time off from work to unwind and the foodies who are excited about the delicious meals they will get to eat. However, as beautiful as this season sounds we also have some people who aren't looking forward to Christmas as they may be alone, lost a loved one or will be spending it working.

But then I thought to myself is this all Christmas is all about and if we have time off from work do we also take time off from God as a child of God? I can understand the feeling of not wanting to do anything even if it's just for a day and just wanting to rest from everything but let's also not forget to have time to talk to God and read his word this Christmas. For he said in his word.

“Never stop praying.”

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/116/1th.5.17.NLT

Also, Jesus speaking to his disciples said

“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭18‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1/luk.18.1.KJV

Also Mark14:37-38-“Then he returned and found the disciples asleep. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Couldn’t you watch with me for even one hour? Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭14‬:‭37‬-‭38‬ ‭NLT‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/116/mrk.14.37-38.NLT

If you love Christ you should always want to talk to him. You never know when God might want to tell you something important it can be anytime even during the time of celebration so try to have a discerning spirit during this time. As the devil also does not rest, God even warns us to -“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/116/1pe.5.8.NLT

There is also a popular parable of the wheat and tares in Matt13:24-30 verse 25 says:

“But that night as the workers slept, his enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat, then slipped away.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭13‬:‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.13.25.NLT

Let's be careful not to get too relaxed giving room for the devil to plant something we are not supposed to have. Remember God does not sleep nor slumber too, he is available 24/7 so please speak to him he is always ready to commune with us.

“He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭121‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.121.3-4.NLT

Balance!

For everything, there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/116/ecc.3.1.NLT

I am a strong believer of balance. Balance your time off with the things of God and also with celebration during this season. I am not saying you should spend the whole time praying or reading the word and neglect other things or people. You can create a plan during this period and adhere to it to help you spend some time with God, this is something I do that has helped me during times like this. Also, if you have the opportunity to spend this time with your loved ones please cherish that time too and create memories as you don't know when next you might see them again or have that time again. Also, celebrate and be merry, it's that time of the year!

For it is written:

“So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labour, for these are gifts from God.”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/116/ecc.3.12-13.NLT

Also, for those who will be spending this Christmas alone. God sees and will never forsake you.

“Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you!”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭49‬:‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/116/isa.49.15.NLT

“Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.27.10.NLT

Let's Pray:

God, please give us the strength to continue to create time and be on fire for you, especially during our time off.

Sending my prayers to those spending this time alone or who lost a loved one. God please give them comfort and let them be merry also in this season.

Enjoy your time with God, family and yourself.

Merry Christmas!!!