Scripture for Today: Romans 12:“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Don’t get me wrong. I love Christmas! I love the twinkling lights, the smell of ginger and cinnamon and I especially love singing carols. But what I don’t love is the early approach. It seems to come earlier and earlier every year. I may be alone in this, but it does not make my heart feel happy to see celebration so soon. I almost feel that a steamroller is coming at me, and will soon flatten all my enthusiasm. I cannot keep it at a fever pitch for over a month!

Today’s verse tells us that we do not have to follow the pattern the world has of doing things. We have the choice and the freedom to do things differently, to do things God’s way. And His way is far better. It is good, pleasing and perfect. In belonging to Him, our minds can be renewed through His Word to know and appreciate what His way is.

I want to be intentional this Christmas. I do not want to get all booked up and stressed out. I do not want to feel the pressure to have everything decorated perfectly or impress people with my cookie baking skills. I want to slow down enough to ponder and reflect like Mary did at the birth of her Son. I want to turn my thoughts toward Him of whom the angels sang, and sing to Him myself! And I want to love sacrificially as He did in coming to this earth.

Lord, help me celebrate Your birth in a way that pleases You.