December.

December. 

You would think after 2019 years we would be a little more prepared for the end of a calendar year. Especially when it means going into a new decade. Most people either enjoy this time of year or they endure it.

Here is what we know about December;

  1. The weather changes. You get either rain, snow, or Antarctica vibes.

  2. We know that December is “RED CUP” month at Starbucks. Y’all know you get hype when you see that cup.

  3. Christmas music is now legal to start listening.

  4. Oh, & don’t forget the Hallmark phenomenon. You know, those totally never seen before stories with a completely mind altering ending….

  5. December is also full of holiday parties, gifts, Christmas trees, and holiday lights.

  6. December has the craziest shopping history, with the average spending for an American is $700. Meaning about $465 billion ….

  7. December does have the best food and seasonal desserts …

  8. Kids are home from college.

  9. Toy drives, giving opportunities..

  10. Cant for forget that its prime proposal season. (maybe ill get a proposal this December..wink wink)

  11. Also, not to mention winter floral!! (GLORY)

  12. December is one of the best months to see family and friends.

  13. We read a Christmas Story, reminding us of the Birth of Jesus.

  14. This month has so much to offer simply because it’s December. 

But December also has its faults. It’s one of the most stressful times for people. It means, stepping into tough family dynamics, spending more money than you have, budget reports and project launches for the new year. Your working more in order to take more time off; Christmas play practices, sickness, accidents, break-ins, December is at the top for theft. It’s dealing with a ton of pressure to ensure it’s the best December yet, layoffs and closers.

December can mean a hard month for a lot of people. 

The month of December and its demands tends to have a lot of control over what most people’s ever growing ‘to do list’ consists of. But whether it’s December or July, we have the opportunity to choose HOW we handle those 31 days leading into the New Year. The ‘WHAT’ might not change, but the ‘HOW’ can. 

Here is a word I like to use around this time of year… JOY.

The deeper meaning of this Joy, isn’t ‘SMILE all the time or a fake happiness’.

JOY is defined as a strength, a renewing of, a calmness, a peace in a storm. JOY - gives freedom to be in a stressful situation and still be calm. JOY- guards. JOY - embraces. JOY - reminds. JOY- finds kindness. And JOY is attached to Hope.  

Embrace your December. Take ‘December and all its WHATS – and choose JOY. I hope your 2019 shows you how much you have grown, but also how much more there is to come!

Declarations of Joy:

John 15:10-12

‘I have spoken these things to you, that my JOY may be in you, and that your joy may be full. ‘This is my heart, that you love one another as I have loved you.” 

Psalms 30:5

For anger lasts only a moment, but the Lord’s favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night but rejoicing comes in the morning. 

Psalms 28:7

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me and my heart is filled with HIS joy [His strength]. I burst out in song of thanksgiving.

Kandis Harvey