Do you need a Christmas Cleanse?

During the sometimes wonderful, sometimes crazy holiday season my level-headed plans, usually nice personality, and prudent budgets get challenged. Oftentimes, I lose them altogether (like when I lost it with my husband over candles on Christmas day. Nice wife.).

I picture myself in a boxing ring facing opponents named: Mr. Materialism, Ms. Food Binge and Mrs. Busyness (yes Miss Moody is there too). After an attempted knockout by these formidable foes, I lay flattened on the mat, waiting for an unseen hand to lift me.

And there YOU are lying next to me, suffering from your own version of an attempted knock-out by your own version of formidable foes (in-laws perhaps?). Together we breath deeply and expectantly, knowing the owner of the unseen hand is near. He desires to lift us and clean us up after our fight.

As we raise our hands towards His, we experience hope, strength, joy, and relief. He removes us from the fray, then we crawl on His lap. We give Him our tired and discouraged selves knowing that He seeks to wash us, to make us new, yet again.

His grace is inexplicable and always available. It boggles the mind. He is our hope and in Him our strength, focus and another beginning.

On the horizon is an unopened new year. A simple Christmas Cleanse (and maybe some apologies) are just what our hearts and lives need. Come on, let’s get off the dirty mat and bathe ourselves in God’s word and spotless grace.

“Sprinkle me with water and I will be pure; wash me and I will be whiter than snow.” Psalm 55:17 NET

“From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace.” John 1:16 ESV

“…I keep this one thing in mind: the LORD’S mercy. We were not completely wiped out. His compassion is never limited.” Lam. 3:21 & 22 GWT