How a New Christmas Tradition Gave Me a New Perspective

How a New Christmas Tradition Gave Me a New Perspective
December 24, 2015

Wow, where did the year go? I cannot believe it is Christmas already!

2015 has gone by fast, so it is good to slow down at Christmas and reflect on the things that really matter. God gave us the most amazing gift of love through Christ.

Yet even though Christmas is a time to celebrate, let’s face it, many people find themselves feeling down or stressed out instead. Some of the biggest challenges include loneliness, financial pressure and family conflicts. You can actually rise above all of these things as you gain God’s perspective on your life and situation.

“The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ is in you, so therefore you can look forward to sharing in God’s glory. It is that simple.” Colossians 1:27 MSG

Christmas memories
For the first 12 years of my life, I was bombarded with losses and tragedies, including my parents separating just after Christmas when I was 5 years old and my father dying when I was 10. I dreaded the Christmas season because there was often tension and fights during that time.

That all changed when I was 12 years old.

My mom started a new tradition in which we had a family party on Christmas Eve. We had a great spread of food and friends, and family came over. Instead of having to look at all those presents under the tree and wait until Christmas morning, we also started a new tradition of opening our gifts on Christmas Eve.

New traditions
That new Christmas Eve tradition allowed me to gain a new perspective on the holidays. I found myself actually looking forward to our Christmas Eve party.

Even though I still had uneasiness when I thought about the bad memories from childhood, I found that the Christmas party atmosphere allowed me to rise above those things.

What are your traditions? Whether your Christmas memories are great or bad, you can start a new tradition or celebrate an old one. It is really important to establish things in your life that bring joy, especially if you feel down around the holidays.

It is time to do something new
One of the prophetic words that God spoke to me is that we are currently in a time in which we need to “Forget the former things and do not dwell on the past.” Isaiah 43:18 NIV

A few practical ways you can do this is to try something new during the holidays this year.

Take time to listen and reach out to others. If your family situation is stressful, then balance it by spending time with people who are fun and encouraging.

[Tweet “If ur family situation is stressful balance by spending time with people who r fun & encouraging.”]

The more you give, the more you will receive. So give the gift of love and kindness to people around you! If you do not have money, then give what you have–your time, your focus and your love.

Merry Christmas!
Linda and I, and my entire InLight Connection team want to wish you the best Christmas ever. We are so grateful for all of you who support and pray for us. We consider you all a part of our family. I pray that God will open the heavens of blessing and joy over you!

Blessings,

Doug and Linda Addison
DougAddison.com

P.S. As a way to show our appreciation for you, my staff and I have put together something called the 12 Digital Days After Christmas, which is chocked full of freebies, fun and ridiculously amazing deals.

Doug Addison is a prophetic speaker, author and coach. He is known for his Daily Prophetic Words, Spirit Connection webcast, podcast, and blog. Doug’s message of love, hope and having fun reaches people around the world! His powerfully, positively funny style of teaching and coaching helps open people to discover their destiny and experience God’s supernatural love and power. He and his wife Linda live in Los Angeles, California where he is impacting the arts and entertainment and media industries.