On High Alert

I realize it may not seem very festive to speak of being on high alert - spiritually speaking - over the Christmas holidays, but I feel I would be wrong not to remind us all that the enemy doesn't take a vacation.  Even worse, I am suspicious that his plans may include ramping up the pressure to a certain degree, when it comes to the celebration of Jesus' birth and time shared together with friends and family.  Oh, but that is not fair - you may say - it is our week off, I don't want to think about those things.  Is it not far better to think about those things and feel slightly less festive, than to ignore them and give the enemy an opportunity to add chaos to our festivities?  Let me explain...

The Bible warns us many times of the devil's strategies - he comes to steal, kill and destroy; he roars around like a lion looking for those he can devour; he has flaming arrows; and on it goes.  As I think of the holidays, it makes me think of the times our government can become informed of threats of terrorist activity in our countries and they take the regular alert and increase its warning, to a high alert.  As un-festive as this may seem, try to think of the holidays this way and see if it doesn't make a difference for you this year. 

I don't speak of going into Christmas afraid - not at all - remember God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind; and greater is He who is in us, than he that is in the world.  We have nothing to fear with God on our side - but we do need to be aware and take due diligence.  If we knew that there was an increased chance our children were in danger of going missing by visiting Disney World, would it mean we would never take them, or go and have a miserable time? Neither should be true - we would go and have a wonderful time, but we would be more alert and cautious.  Same is true for the holidays - don't be fearful, don't let thoughts of the enemy frighten you in any way, but be on alert and be cautious.

Take some time and read through and apply the wisdom of Ephesians 6 - it is a good review at any time of the year, but at Christmas I  think it helps us be aware of some of the enemy's tricks.  It says in Ephesians 6:10,11&18, that we are to, "Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers...and powers...and forces of evil in the heavenly realms...With this in mind, BE ALERT."  When we can recognize that some of the challenges we face as we gather with extended family, or even our own families, over the holidays, are really our battle in the spiritual realm, it puts the focus in proper perspective.  Often frustrations that are directed at family members and an offense they may cause, really should be directed at the enemy and the damage he may be trying to do in our family.  When we can recognize this, we can fight the true enemy and put right perspective to the relationships around us.

Please don't go into the holidays with any fear - go into them with full anticipation of all the good things God has for you and yours, but just as you would at Disney World, keep an extra snug hold on your family members and an eye that is scanning for any danger.  Enjoy these moments, celebrating Christ's birth.  It is because He came that we have the authority to stand against the enemy this Christmas!