The Fear Nots of Christmas

Changes have stirred up the dust of fear, like the dirt on our dry gravel road when wheels spin at high speeds, flinging it from its quiet resting place. It clouds the vision of those around, filling the air with grit that no one wants around.

I didn’t know that changes were on the horizon for me when I first started searching for how one could replace fear with the joy and gladness offered by an angel to Zacharias, Mary, Joseph and the Shepherds, when their days were interrupted by Gods messenger, telling them not to be afraid.

Adjusting from having three growing children, to counting in a foster boy for a short time; from changing diapers, to changing my daughter’s last name; then adding a loved son-in-law; these were a few of the things that shook the ground I stood on. Instead of holding my boy’s hands as we walked across the street together, I beheld, as they walked into adulthood, receiving their diplomas of graduation from high school and college. Saying goodbye to a loved father before we placed his body in dirt took place just two months after we bade farewell to a career that supported us 25 years of marriage. We also endured departure from many loved ones at church, but then added quite few precious ones too.

Storms continue to brew, making it easy for my mind to become a storm chaser. But I am learning to have joy and gladness rather than fear through the four amazing stories at the heart of this book, even when the steering wheel in my hands gives me very little control over the vehicle of life which is carrying me at high speeds. As the numbers increase on the roadway of life, I can have joy and gladness even though the scenery changes quicker than seasons in a year. Fear threatens to creep slowly back in, but now I know, that even when life comes wrapped in barren looking packages, when fully unwrapped, we will see that God is a gracious giver. When the gift He gives seems too large for us to carry, He lets us know that His strength doesn’t fail. “Nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1: 37). And I’m learning not to give up when dreams seem crushed, as our God is a dream re-maker. The stories of these four amazing people who lived 2000 years ago, help settle the dust and bring out the light of who God is, helping me to face yet another day with joy and courage. Through their example of handling unanticipated change, I’m learning to live loved, and hope you do as well.

Almost all the activities contained in this little book have been part of our family’s story for a number of years, providing practical, fun ideas, as well as worshipful activities meant to fill you with refreshment. A devotional will start off each of the four weeks of advent, leading you into daily Bible study questions, with a journaling page, daily activities, suggested song titles for worship and a few favorite recipes along the way—including our family’s “secret” cinnamon roll recipe. Many of the activities are flexible enough to include your children or grandchildren, so they too can celebrate the coming of Jesus birthday each year, with you.
The weekly Discussion question in the 1st day of every week’s activity, is perfect for you, your family, or your Bible study group, to help you celebrate the season. It will lead to purposeful conversation as you enjoy the gifts of God through fellowship, mediation, or conversation, assisting you to grow in knowing the Lord Jesus better with those around you.

No matter what stage of life you are in you’ll find at least a couple activities that you can enjoy through the advent seasons each year. If you would feel free to tell me how you’ve tweaked any ideas to fit you and your loved ones needs, I’d love to hear about it. You can message me your ideas on Instagram @godsmoreabundantlife or Facebook @Facebook.com/debbie.short.733, I would be so blessed. Thank you ahead of time!

As you travel this next month, down the road of life, may the dust of your fear settle, and be replaced with hope, joy, love and peace because of who God is – a gracious giver – no matter how barren the wrapping on the package of life you’ve been handed. May you know He’s a dream re-maker, and that we have reason to have great joy and peace every day of our lives because of the good news God has for us.

Have a very blessed holiday!
Merry Christmas!!
Live Loved, Beloved!
Debbie Short