As the Christmas season is in full swing, I find myself appreciating what a special place Hanford is at Christmas. It is truly magical. I feel blessed to live in a place that celebrates Jesus.
It is so easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of gift-giving and social comparisons. As a mom of a tween daughter, I find myself wrestling with the pressure to provide the “perfect” Christmas, measuring my worth by the presents I buy, the Christmas tree I put up in my living room, or even the caliber of sweets I make. It’s exhausting.
Romans 12:2 reminds us: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This verse has become my anchor these past few days. My emails have been overloaded with all the Black Friday deals and seeing friends post all of their beautiful Christmas decorations. Comparison truly is the thief of joy. I’m learning to actively combat those destructive thoughts that whisper I am not enough. My little Charlie Brown Christmas tree is tiny, but I bought it myself and I have to remind myself that truly, it is just a Christmas tree.
The world of social media feels like it’s screaming at me that happiness comes from material possessions, but my heart knows the truth. No gift I could wrap could ever compare to the greatest gift already given – salvation through Jesus Christ. As we celebrate His birth, I’m learning to shift my focus from worldly expectations to spiritual fulfillment.
I’ve been praying for the Lord to fill my heart with reminders of my wholeness in Him. My wholeness is not in the perfectly decorated home nor the most extravagant gifts, but in the profound love of our Savior. I’m praying for the Lord to remind me whenever possible that He always provides and He is enough.
As I’ve shared previously, it was only 7 short years ago that I had no warm living room to put up a tree nor a family to celebrate with. I was lost to the world and my Christmas season was spent alone, accompanied only by the reality of my poor decision-making. What a privilege it is to complain about the size of my Christmas tree!
This Christmas, I choose to celebrate the miracle of Christ’s birth and the redemption He offers.
To my fellow moms feeling the pressure: You are enough. Your worth is not determined by the presents under the tree, but by the love of the One who was born in a humble manger. Let’s embrace the true meaning of Christmas – God’s incredible love made flesh.
Amy Spicer is Communications Manager at Koinonia Church. She can be reached at amy@kchanford.com or 559-582-1528.