We’ve made it to December, and this year has really flown by! For some people, this is their favorite time of the year; for others, the stress of the holiday season outweighs the joy that can be had when December shows up on the calendar. This month, I want to offer encouragement for all aspects of your health this season!
As with other holidays, food plays a big part in our celebrations. According to some estimates, average calorie consumption for Christmas dinners can be as much as 6,000 calories – considering that the caloric intake recommended for healthy caloric maintenance ranges from 2,000 to 2,500 per day this is quite the jump! Am I telling you to go on a diet and not enjoy some delicious holiday food? Of course not! Enjoy your favorite foods, and enjoy them with people you love, but be mindful to not overindulge. Proverbs 25:16 encourages us to enjoy good food – but warns against excess!One of my favorite things about the holidays is that it is the season of giving. Acts 20:35 tells us “…remembering the words of Lord Jesus Himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" However, I want to encourage and remind you that no one, apart from Jesus, can be all things to everyone. There is only so much of your time, money, and, well, you to go around! Remember that you have limitations, and in your weakness Christ’s power is made perfect, as we are told in 2 Corinthians 12:9.
Sadly, some studies find that mental health struggles increase during the holidays. However, by embracing this truth in Christ, you can hopefully keep some perspective for your mental and emotional health this Christmas.
And this brings me to the most important reminder that I can give you this Christmas season. The reminder is in the name – it’s all about Christ! We celebrate this time of year because Jesus Christ, who is seated at the right hand of the Father, came down from His place to become fully man, being born in the humblest way imaginable, so that He could sanctify and redeem all of humanity. Through the hustle and bustle, don’t neglect your spiritual health – which is arguably the most important health of all! As the popular saying goes, remember the reason for the season!
I pray that all of us can enjoy good physical, emotional, and spiritual health this holiday season. While there is not “one size fits all” advice for the various struggles we can have around the holidays, it is my prayer, and everyone’s prayer here at Liberty HealthShare, that you have a blessed and joyous Christmas, and a happy New Year!
