Kristin Saatzer

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Can We Talk About Christmas? Relationships and Christmas Part Two

December 9, 2017 By Kristin Saatzer 4 Comments

Relationships and Christmas Part Two

My Christmas intention is to focus on people and relationships. Let’s continue with part two (see part one: https://wp.me/p4RztF-Vz):

~See the unseen, the lonely, the hurting:

 Christmas tree cross

“QUIETLY  turn Your eyes  to me and be compassionate toward me because I am lonely and persecuted.” Psalm 25:16 The Voice

It was my third  trip to Walmart in two  days. I picked the slowest line (as usual), with a customer ahead of me needing help using her credit card. Lots of help. The checker was visibly irritated as she snarled at the credit card woman. My turn. As I loaded my groceries on the conveyor, I said hello and asked the checker how she was doing. She didn’t answer, so I tried again. Still no answer. When it came time to pay, I repeatedly tried to start a conversation and she  declined. It became a game to me, as I  determined to get a word out of her. I lost the game. I gotta hand it to her, she was good.

The holidays can really stink for customer service workers (especially those  who have to deal with irritating folks like me). However, usually, a kind word or compliment may add a dose of pleasantness to their day. So many customer service workers are assaulted with rudeness and spend hours on their aching feet. I try to put myself in their shoes and I can’t stand that long. Bless them.

A smile for a harried Mama with tots in her cart or an elderly man shopping solo. A greeting to the Good Samaritan ringing the bell. It requires so little of me.

Then, there are those in the midst of deep pain, people in our circles  who are hurting and lonely and hating Christmas.

For example, I have seven friends in the process of divorce. Seven! Not a Merry and Bright season for these dear ones and their children. I make it a priority to reach out and pray daily for them.

I must slow down and intentionally remember these dears ones.

Lord remind me. Turn my eyes to the unseen, lonely and discouraged this day. This Advent season.

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Can We Talk About Christmas? Relationships and Christmas Part One

December 5, 2017 By Kristin Saatzer 4 Comments

Relationships and Christmas Part One

 

My Christmas Intention

At the end of the Thanksgiving week, I sat down with my notebook and began the Christmas giving and gift list. I aim to start the season with purpose, planning, and lists. This looks prettier some years than others. As I scribbled out ideas on what to do for and get my loved ones, I started to pray. Asking the Lord what I could give Him, I felt God nudging my focus toward relationships.

You see, I love people, and I love God, but if I’m not careful, I’m swept up in crossing off my list and the getting-things-done seasonal trap. Yes, most of the items on my list are others-focused (buying gifts, charitable giving, baking, cooking, house tasks, etc.) And I can certainly get my tinsel in a tangle when my focus is all about productivity. I want to connect deeply in my relationships this Christmas, especially in my relationship with Jesus.

Therefore, relationships are my 2017 Christmas intention.

Yes, responsibilities are important and necessary. However, I want to center in on others and invest deeply. Here are a few points and scriptures I will use to guide me along the way this Advent time. I’d love to share them with you.

~The ultimate model of a Christmas relationship (of course) is God and his son:

“...and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” Matthew 3:17 NASB

The Christmas story oozes in human dynamics: God and Jesus, Mary and Elizabeth, Mary and Joseph, Mary and Jesus, the shepherds, the Wiseman, and Herod. The Bible is replete with kinship and family ties. Relationships matter to God. Importantly, the one we share with Him is of utmost priority.

Each day of Advent, I spend time reading “God’s Story” and in prayer. This is a time of quiet focus as the dawn blooms and the morning birds chirp. Time for my Saviour and I to gel before the hustle and bustle of the day. I record my Christmas thanks and trials. I cherish this time for centering and perspective.

I heard it said once that Christmas means more of Christ. Yes, this is my craving, more of Christ, each Advent day.Continue Reading

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