What Romans 12 Taught Me About Christmas Time

​​During this season, I don't know about you, but I tend to become a little numb. December is a season full of hurrying, shopping, parties, scheduling, mailing, studying, visiting, cleaning, cooking, and so much more. For me, I get caught up in all the added to do's on my list. I tend to go day-to-day, completing tasks and doing the things that need to be done, and before I know it, I look up and there's TWO WEEKS until Christmas! Yikes, how does it come so slow and fast at the same time? It's not the added to-do's that get to me though... it's that moment I look up and notice that intentionality has slipped out the window. Any heart, or thought behind the presents I'm sending, or smile I'm giving is just a formality. Before I know it, the reason for the season has become checking things off my list, not because I'm placing other's first for the sake of Jesus, but because it's rude if I don't participate in all these holiday activities. So today, with all the hustle and bustle of the season, I encourage you to slow down, and take a minute to read Romans 12. I promise it will help shift your mind-set to be more intentional with others around you, and your own walk with Jesus. 

Here are some things I'm going to try and remember for these next 2 weeks:
- When we serve and are giving ourselves, we are worshipping God
- Give yourself grace
- Don't compare your house, grades, family bonding ability, literal gifts or spiritual gifts
- You were designed uniquely and specifically for your life, and yours alone.
- Genuinely love, even when it's hard
- Always try and out-serve one another
- Don't gossip with your families or with one another (it's going to be difficult, but don't do it!!)
- Try to live at peace with everyone 
- It's going to be really easy to get upset, annoyed, and impatient, but instead try reciting the fruits of the spirit, then act on them.

Romans 12 just kicked my butt and told me how I needed to live. A lot of those phrases and statements are very cliche and you have heard them before, but they're just an encouragement to live intentionally and to not miss it this Christmas season.