I am realizing how much my family of origin lacked good, wholesome Christmas traditions, and one of the dysfunctions such dynamic has left me with is my struggle with “expectations” around the holidays. In the middle of my struggle I am welcoming the Spirit of God to speak to me so that I can honor Jesus through my thoughts, through my actions, and through my treasuring.
Why do expectations tend to “ruin” the holidays for me? Because in a way expectations create certain realities I must conform to—at least that is a message I have often lived under for many years. Expectations often rob me from the opportunity to exercise both the freedom of the soul and the freedom that comes by living under the influence of the Spirit of God.
There are many things I enjoy about the holidays. The special foods, the emphasis on giving, the unifying spirit of a particular season, the decorations, the spiritual emphasis each holiday may afford, the thoughtfulness shared among human beings…..and yet, the expectation that all of this needs to happen in a few days or a day does not free me up to find unconventional ways to care, to give, to love, to rejoice.
Perhaps it is just me. How about you? What do you like about the holidays? What don’t you like about them? Feel free to use the comment box and share your own thoughts. What circumstances are currently overshadowing your holidays?
I am thankful that in the midst of my struggle God has already provided me with a verse from the book of Ecclesiastes that serves me as an orienting truth. Here is what King Solomon said in chapter 7 verse 14:
Enjoy prosperity while you can, but when hard times strike, realize that both come from God. Remember that nothing is certain in this life. (New Living Translation)
You may be wondering what do holidays have to do with King Solomon’s words? I think a lot. It seems to me that the message is that God allows both prosperity (fulfilled expectations) and adversity (unfulfilled expectations) as a way of keeping us anchored in the right place—Him! I find it interesting that both prosperity and adversity can be a fertile environment for temptation. When things go well I may be tempted to treasure something other than God. When things are hard I may be tempted to treasure something other than God to bring about the realities I may be longing for.
Prosperity and adversity are there to help us center our hearts on God rather than on a given circumstance.
Are your expectations being met these holidays? Are holiday expectations getting in the way of other expectations you may have—like in my case? Let’s make sure we don’t put our hope in our circumstances but in God.
What perspective is God offering you around your personal struggles with the holidays? Please share!
—Diego Cuartas
*Please be advised that this blog represents the views, opinions and beliefs of the writer and does not necessarily reflect those of our church leadership or denominational affiliation.