December is such a wonderful time of the year. After all, it is the time when we celebrate the birth of our savior Jesus Christ! It is also a time when we can give gifts to those we love... and some we don't (just kidding). It is also a time to spend with family members and those we only see once or twice a year. Oh... what a great time!

December is is also a very stressful time of the year. After all, it is a time we give gifts, spend time with family and friends. (didn't I just say that above?)

These events during Christmas time can be very stressful. Money already tight, now gifts? Already busy, now Christmas parties. Budgeting for next year. Planning for new committees. Oh yeah... plans for starting a new church?

Have you ever heard...

"God won't give you more than you can bear"

Seems like I am to that point ever so often. The Bible does not state that but actually states: (thanks to Steven Furtick)

"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."  --1 Corinthians 10:13

So, I say that to say this... Though our lives are busy and it seems as if we never have enough time... We  need to fight like the lizard in the picture... when it looks gloomy and crazy... Remember these words...

12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.  --Philippians 3:12-15

I leave you with the words from a song by Reliant K; from their song Pressing On

I think we're going somewhere.
We're on to something good here.
Out of mind, out of state.
Trying to keep my head on straight.

I think we're going somewhere.
We're on to something good here.
There's only one thing left to do.
Drop all I have and go with you.

[Chorus:]
Somewhere back there I left my worries all behind.
My problems fell out of the back of my mind.
We're going and I'm never knowing (never knowing) where we're going.
To go back to where I was would just be wrong.
I'm pressing on.
Pressing on, all my distress is going, going, gone. (pressing on, pressing on)
And I won't sit back, and take this anymore.
'Cause I'm done with that, I've got one foot out the door.
And to go back where I was would just be wrong
I'm pressing on.

I think we're going somewhere.
We're on to something good here.
Out of mind, out of state.
Trying to keep my head on straight.
I think we're going somewhere.
We're on to something good here.
Adversity, we get around it.
Searched for joy, in you I found it.

You look down on me, but you don't look down on me at all.
You smile and laugh, and I feel the love you have for me.
I think we're going somewhere.
We're on to something good here, and we're gonna make it after all.

Focus on the JOY of Christmas! After all, you are gonna make it... Laugh and smile and feel the love that Jesus has for you!