Even though the Christmas season is all about love and goodwill, sometimes people get overwhelmed with feelings of stress and inadequacy.
Because of this, the Tim Tebow Foundation has provided five helpful tips on its website meant to guide people on the best ways to embrace and fully experience the joy that the holiday season brings.
The first tip is never to compare one's blessings with others. "Comparison is the thief of joy," the foundation writes in its website. "The holiday season can often go from a season of thanksgiving, to a season of being more aware than ever of the things we do not have. Before long, we begin to believe lies about ourselves, and the discontent becomes consuming."
When people refuse to flee from comparison, they only end up robbing themselves of "the joy that exists in being exactly who God created us to be," it says.
The second tip is to be grateful for all things. "Start a list. It can be for the whole family, or for your eyes only, but be purposeful in identifying moments for which you are grateful throughout the holidays," it suggests.
The list can include simple moments such as a relaxing evening spent with family or a wonderful conversation with a relative. With the list, people can learn to appreciate the little things they have instead of dwelling on the things that they do not have.
The Foundation's third advice is to wait with purpose. People generally look forward to Christmas Day by preparing for the event with stockings, Christmas lights, manger scenes, baked goods, and gifts. However, the Foundation wants people to reflect whether they are making the same preparations in their hearts for the coming of the Lord.
"The time leading up to the holidays presents the perfect opportunity to centre our hearts on what truly matters – that with Christ's birth, we were given the gift of eternal life," it states.
The next advice is for people to root themselves in truth. "In the holiday season, it is easy to quickly become overwhelmed. We face the intimidating tasks of preparing meals for large groups, traveling to see family, buying gifts, all the while trying to maintain a joyful, Christ-centred perspective. In this season, it is more important than ever to remain rooted in truth. Constantly bring yourself back to the reason for your actions and efforts. Seek to glorify the Lord in everything. Jesus is alive, and for that reason alone, we will celebrate," it says.
And lastly, the Tim Tebow Foundation wants people to grow in belief. The holiday season is the ideal time to reflect on God's presence in one's daily life, and be encouraged by His goodness and sovereignty in everything.
"It's okay for this upcoming holiday season to be less than perfect. Life is messy, but it is in the messes that we are reminded of life's authenticity. Christmas trees fall down and turkeys get overdone," it says. "The truth is, we are called to a life of abundance, and it is often in the worst of messes that our eyes are opened to the outpouring of grace Christ consistently bestows on us."
