Weekly Devotional: This Christmas Season

“So encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” (Hebrews 3:13)

This Christmas season can mean so many different things for you. Maybe it is filled with bubbling anticipation and excitement; maybe it is filled with overwhelming busyness and planning; maybe it is a season filled with a mix of joys and hurts. Regardless of what this December is looking like for you, it is, in and of itself, just another season.

“There is a season for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). The author of Ecclesiastes then lists many common events under the heavens, which is a reference to life on earth. He says things like: there’s a time to be born and a time to die, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time of war and a time for peace. This list is a reflection of what goes on during our time on earth. As you can see, he purposefully includes both good moments and painful moments.

So much of our lives follow this pattern of seasonality. There may be times filled with sadness while other times are filled with happiness, but the commonality of this diverse list is the inevitability of change. No one season lasts forever – under the heavens, there is an expectation of change and finite endings.

After his analysis of times that commonly occur in our lives, the author concludes that it is best for everyone to enjoy their work because that is their lot for the time being and no one knows what will come in the future. As a believer, this idea of enjoying your season – the time at hand and working – is an incredible joy!

Our lives are no longer just our own and through the blood of Christ, we are free to serve Him and free to share Him! Galatians 5:13 reminds us: “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Each day, regardless of the season we are in, we are called to love others and to work hard giving the Lord our best efforts.

This Christmas season, strive to be present and intentional. Enjoy your season, regardless of what it looks like because it will soon be over and a new season will begin! Whether it is cozy nights sharing stories with family, brisk crowded streets taking time for a homeless person or hectic Christmas crafts with four-year-olds, wherever you end up spending your time this Christmas remember the reason for this season and share your life, His love and your time with those around you.

Grand Canyon University wants to wish you a Merry Christmas this holiday season! As a private, Christian university, GCU has a rich heritage and heart to serve the local community. Learn more by visiting our website or use the Request More Information button on this page.