Do you remember that old show from our youth called Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer? It has Sam the snowman, Hermey the misfit elf, Clarice the object of Rudolph’s affections, and Yukon Cornelius the prospector.
Well, it’s one of my favorite Christmas shows! So when I found the window clings of those characters, I had to buy them. They’ve been a part of our decorations for a few years now. We love them!
And so does Meesha… my cat.
While the kids like to move them around on the windows to create scenes, Meesha likes to tear them off with her paws and teeth. I’ve watched her do this.
She’ll sit on the window ledge and scratch them so they come loose… and then she reaches up with her teeth and pulls them off. Without a thought, she then tosses these beloved characters to the ground and goes to work on the next one.
As I glance over to look at them, there are two Abominable Snowmonsters on the ground. Poor guys. They were just happily hanging on the window, minding their own business… and were quickly brought down with determination.
This is the plan of the Enemy for your holidays.
He hates you. Actually, he hates God more but he can’t get to Him so the Enemy goes after the next best thing… you. Why? Because you are a child of God.
His plan is to bring you down this Christmas season and he’ll do anything to make it happen.
- He will use your family. They will drive you insane and get on your last nerve. He’ll use them to stir up old issues. They might say something and you’ll play those hurtful tapes of your childhood.
- He will use your finances. You will be fearful wondering how to pay off those holiday expenses. You’ll overextend yourself and will be stressed rather than joy-filled.
- He will use your self-image. You will begin to compare yourself to others. When you don’t decorate like they do, or bake like they do, or dress like they do, or throw parties like they do… you’ll feel inferior to others. You will be reminded that you just can’t keep up with the Jones’.
You, however, are not powerless. No. You have a big, powerful weapon to fight back with. Know what it is?
Prayer. Are you using it?
When you pray, you are calling on the Heavenlies for intervention on your behalf. You are going to the source of strength for reinforcement. You’re suiting up for battle.
Friends, don’t allow yourself to be robbed of joy during the celebration of our Savior’s birth! The Enemy has been plotting and planning and with today being the beginning of the Lord’s birthday month, the battle will begin to intensify.
But… you have everything you need to be the victor.
You have God the Father, Jesus the Son and God’s Holy Spirit… and you have complete access to their strength and wisdom when you ask for it in prayer.
Like my window clings, the Enemy will try to peel you back enough to drop you to the floor.
Be ready to fight back with prayer!
©2010 careyscotttalks.com
I think everyone can relate to these three stress points you mention. Thanks for the great reminder to keep first things first so we can enjoy the Christmas season!
Thank you so much for this post today! I faced all of these issues yesterday with my car breaking down and not enough money to fix it at the moment, feeling inferior when compared to family and friends since they can do things this holiday that I want to do but can’t financially, and a few other little things that got on my last nerve that made me want to skip everything until the new year came. After my frustratiOn I read my Bible and found a comforting verse that I love because to me it relates to my work at home craft business that God has blessed us with this past August. And then I wake up to your post in my email. Thank you. I am ready to start my day and restart my Christmas!
What an encouraging and timely post, Carey. I’ve really been struggling this year, more than most — what a terrific reminder that I don’t have to put up with the attacks! Thanks, sister!