Christmas Inconveniences

Happy Monday, CFC Family!

Last week, my son and I spent some time putting up our Christmas lights on the house. To be honest, it’s a task I dread every year. Attaching each strand of lights to those flimsy plastic clips that hook onto the shingles is truly a test of patience. In fact, I’m pretty sure I broke at least a couple dozen clips in the process.

Then there are the bulbs themselves. This year, I discovered that 25 bulbs decided not to work—25! They worked just fine when I took them down last spring. What could possibly happen during their time in storage that causes them to stop working?

I’m sure we all know people who’ve given up on exterior Christmas lights for these very reasons. They’ll say, “It’s too much trouble to put them up for a season that only lasts a few weeks,”and they’ll also add, “and I certainly don’t want to be one of those people who leaves them up all year long.”(Just a disclaimer, I’m not judging anyone who does! 😉)

That was my mindset a few years ago. I told Lenise I wasn’t going to bother with the lights anymore, and for one season, I actually kept my word. Although she was disappointed, she respected my decision, yet I think she knew deep down that I’d eventually change my mind.

In October of 2020, during the lockdowns, Lenise and I agreed that I should put aside my complaints and frustrations and put those dreaded lights back up, just to bring some festive cheer to anotherwise challenging time.

I’ll never forget that day in 2020 when I found myself back on the roof, doing something I swore I’d never do again.  As I was finishing up the front of the house, I suddenly heard a car horn honking in what sounded like the tune of "Jingle Bells." I looked up and to my surprise, I saw my youngest daughter coming home from work, joyfully honking her horn as she pulled into the driveway!  Celebrating the return of the "Krebs Christmas tradition" and, perhaps in her mind restoring some sense of normalcy during a very abnormal time.

In that moment, I realized something very important: putting up those lights had nothing to do with me, but everything to do with blessing others. Too often in life, we base our decisions on what we get out of something. If we don’t enjoy the experience or think it’s a waste of time and energy, we avoid it. Truth is, there are many things in life we could probably skip if we based our decisions on our feelings. Whether it’s Christmas programs, decorations, family events, or church activities—if we didn’t do them, many of us wouldn’t really miss them.

But here’s the thing: it’s not about us. It’s about the people God has called us to influence in a positive way. Whether that’s our own children and grandchildren, the needy in our community, or strangers we cross paths with. If our actions impact them, then it’s worth all the commitment, inconvenience and hard work.

I have to admit it, pulling into the driveway and seeing those Christmas lights on the house really does warms my heart. The little child in me still appreciates the homey feeling that decorations bring. And that’s just the outside. When I open the door and see all the work Lenise has put into making our home ready for the season, I really am grateful for all the hard work and inconveniences it took to put it all together.

In the end, whatever we do, let’s always do it as if we’re doing it unto the Lord. After all, wasn’t His first Advent a bit inconvenient for Him? And if He could do that for us, what are we capable of doing for others?

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that youwill receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the LordChrist you are serving.”   Colossians 3:23-24  

Question:  What are some Christian inconveniences you are willing to do because you know it blesses others?  

Have a awesome week and we’ll see you Sunday!