The Lord is God, Who has shown and given us light [He has illuminated us with grace, freedom, and joy]. "I just can't get in the Christmas spirit," I've heard some say through the years. Decorate the festival with leafy boughs and bind the sacrifices to be offered with thick cords [all over the priest’s court, right up] to the horns of the altar.--Psalm 118:27, AMPC

What exactly is "The Christmas Spirit" anyway?

Pondering that recently, I had this thought: Perhaps we don't feel a deep difference when the Holidays approach--because we stay close to God, The Spirit of Christmas/Love/Giving/Hope/Joy/Peace all year long!

Let it be, LORD! 

Shouldn't that be the case with us true Believers in the LORD Jesus Christ anyway?

I believe so. 

Anyway, some of us, maybe, get frustrated and a little down with the pressure of extra expenses and activities that the Season can bring. This can dampen spirits that would normally be festive. 

Here are a few suggestions of how to get "in the Christmas Spirit":

1. Choose to decorate less, and get your spouse and kids involved. "Many hands make light work." . "Christmas decor" doesn't have to be elaborate. After all, Jesus didn't have any at His birth, except the angels, the Star, and of course, the Glory upon Him.

2. Shop smarter (maybe online instead of having to take time to take the kids and go to the store, etc.), which can include buying less, or being creative other ways (maybe doing things together instead of getting so many material things)--and remember that you and your spouse and kids and other loved ones would (most of them) rather have peace and joy than stuff. (Most of them...)

The LORD Jesus died for us to have all the good--including peace in Heaven, and on earth--and most especially at Christmas, when we celebrate His birth!

Crying, Blessed (celebrated with praises) is the King Who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven [freedom there from all the distresses that are experienced as the result of sin] and glory (majesty and splendor) in the highest [heaven]!--Luke 19:38, AMPC

3. Keep Christmas music playing--preferably Christian. You can search for "Christian Christmas music" and you'll find many excellent choices, from classics to contemporary.  

You can play "regular" Christmas music, but when you play true Christian worship about Christmas, you will most likely experience the LORD's Presence more deeply! He lives in the praises of us His people, as David wrote about in the Psalms. 

4. Do something for others! It's so true that, when we help others, we forget ourselves--and whatever is bothering us doesn't seem so big any more! We are God's hands and feet and mouthpieces, so let us use them to bring His light to the "darkness" of others! Amen! Ask Him for wisdom and direction, and He surely will guide you to those He wants you to help!

5. Be thankful! As the LORD showed me years ago, billions of people (even those with mammoth amounts of money!) would love to live my Zoe life every day! Thank the LORD hat He is with and for us always! Thank Him for all the good, and just being thankful will help put you in the right spirit! The Spirit of the LORD is the Spirit of love and giving and thankfulness, freedom and grace, and joy, and more! 

1 When the Lord brought back the captives [who returned] to Zion, we were like those who dream [it seemed so unreal]. 2 Then were our mouths filled with laughter, and our tongues with singing. Then they said among the nations, The Lord has done great things for them.  3 The Lord has done great things for us! We are glad! 4 Turn to freedom our captivity and restore our fortunes, O Lord, as the streams in the South (the Negeb) [are restored by the torrents].  They who sow in tears shall reap in joy and singing. 6 He who goes forth bearing seed and weeping [at needing his precious supply of grain for sowing] shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.--Psalm 126:1-6, AMPC

Tonja and her husband live to exalt God. They lift Him up in books (P.O.W.E.R. Girl!; LEGACY; Visions of the King; Your Holy Health; more); presentations; service in church, community, and the world; and via the "River Rain Creative" (309 videos) and "POWERLight Learning" You Tube channels.