Each year at Christmas, I look forward to pulling the boxes of seasonal decorations out of storage. Our family has always had so much fun decorating the house and hanging ornaments on the tree. Now my kids are grown and out of the house, but my daughters usually stop by with a Starbucks and help me with the finishing touches. I especially enjoy watching my grandkids get excited about the decorations and their special Disney-themed tree.
As we decorated this year, I couldn’t help but think of the verses found in 1 Peter 3:1–4:
Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
Isn’t it easy to become so wrapped up in our holiday preparations and obligations that we forget the importance of adorning our spirits for Christmas? Just as beautiful decorations cannot change a home filled with anger or bitterness, physical adornments cannot replace the grace and beauty of a meek and quiet spirit.
A Meek Spirit
Meekness is, “Enduring injury with patience and without resentment.” For some reason, the holidays can often cause injured spirits and resentful hearts. As we gather with family and friends this season, let’s work to guard our responses and exercise patience toward difficult people, hurtful situations, or even your overly-excited toddler!
A Quiet Spirit
A second personal ornament we can use this Christmas is a quiet spirit. Thankfully, this particular phrase (quiet spirit) does not mean that we can’t talk, laugh, and have a good time. Instead, it means that we should possess a quiet and trusting heart. Is your heart resting in God’s love and trusting His provision this season? Or is your heart frustrated and weary and stressed already?
Don’t let the busy Christmas festivities change your peaceful spirit this year! Ask for God’s help to put on the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit…a calm and trusting heart. And, enjoy a God-blessed season that you won’t soon forget.
