A Christmas Challenge...

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

Do I have a challenge for you!! Let me give you a little history on the challenge first. About three months ago I began an online Bible study, from there I began reading a wonderful blog called, Women Living Well. The creator/writer, Courtney always has many wonderful lessons, challenges, etc... to inspire and encourage the Christian woman in her walk with the Lord.
The challenge over the autumn months was how to make our home, our haven. She shared the simplest of things that really can make a positive impact in a home. One such thing was lighting a candle. As you see the flame flicker as you go about your day (depending on how long you keep the candle lit) to say a quiet prayer for your family, your home, etc... Well, I did that, and I am now making it something I do all the time. This simple act of praying each time I saw that dancing little flame, really gave my heart peace. I began praying more, and before long I began to see and feel a difference in my home, and in the lives of my family. Now I am also a realist, and there are days that just do not go well at all. No matter how many candles you light!! ~Ha! But it is not the candle, it is the prayer and that smidgen of time talking to the Father in heaven that makes all the difference in the world.
The candle serves as a little reminder to pray. It was a very effective challenge and one that I want to extend to all of you, especially at Christmas!!

Here we are smack dab in the middle of the Holiday season. I believe the challenge of lighting a candle, and praying over our family, our home would be an excellent thing to do for Christmas. Right now TIME seems to be racing. The Christmas season comes upon us so suddenly and doesn't matter how many times I plan for it. I never really feel completely "ready" for it. I get so caught up in all my lists, cleaning, shopping, decorating, and let's not forget all the wrapping!! The wrapping seems to take forever!! Makes me want to scream and pull my hair out! I say every year, that next year I am going to be more organized. Uh.. that never happens!! ~Ha! What I really need is a little peace of mind. Christmas is not about chaos, it is about Christ. I find myself really wanting to step away from the craziness this season can bring, and be more reflective of who it is about and not about the latest sale at Dillards, Macy's or JC Penneys.

No matter where I am at, whether at home or at the mall I need to feel God's peace in my heart. I think it is crucial, especially during the holidays. As I expressed in an earlier blog, I want to create an atmosphere of Christmas. Doing something as small as lighting a candle, saying a prayer is a way to help achieve that. Maybe you find yourself in that same place, just ready to have some peace.

So here is my challenge for everyone,... get a candle!

If you are one who would rather not actually light a candle, due to the smoke, or small children, scents, etc.. There are some really neat flameless LED candles. This would also be good for those of you in the office, etc..  The concept is the same whether you light a candle, or turn one on. Place this candle where you know you will see it.  As you go about your day, and you see the light from the candle, take that moment and say a prayer. Maybe you will pray for a loved one, your home, your neighbor, your church, your life. Maybe you will want to take that moment and reflect on that precious babe born in a manger, maybe it will be a time to give a little praise and thank the Lord for His blessings. Pray what is on your heart. It does not have to be a long, elaborate prayer. What is prayer anyway? It is simply talking to the Lord. He doesn't need fancy words, a humble heart will do. As you really begin to open yourself up to prayer, God's peace will begin to fill your heart.  I know this is a busy time, but try to do this each day. You may find yourself like I did, wanting to do this all the time and not just at Christmas.

Okay!! The Christmas Challenge has been issued, I encourage everyone to light a candle and begin embracing the peace of God!!

May your prayers light up your Christmas and always!!

P.S. If you are taking up the challenge, I would love to know!!

Leave a comment here or on my Facebook wall!!