A Christmas Fanatic

A Christmas Fanatic

One of my favorite Peanuts cartoons has Lucy coming to Charlie Brown and saying, “Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown. Since it’s this time of the season, I think we ought to bury past differences and try to be kind.”

In the next frame, Charlie Brown says, “Why does it just have to be ‘this time of the season’? Why can’t it be all year long?”

Then Lucy looks at him and exclaims, “What are you, some kind of fanatic?”

As Christmas draws near, I want to encourage you to seek to reconcile relationships within your family. There is nothing like celebrating Christmas with your family relationships intact.

Ephesians 4:31-32 states, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” To reconcile a relationship, you have to choose to humble yourself and forgive the one who has offended you, even before you see each other. Humility means going first. When this grace is reciprocated, it is powerful. Past mistakes are forgiven and forgotten, and those who were separated are reunited. But let’s not just do it for a family gathering during the holiday. Let’s work toward right relationships all year long.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:31-32