by Debbie McDaniel

Ahh, the holidays, it's the most wonderful time of the year.

But often in the holiday craze of shopping, parties, and festivities, there's many people who simply long for more solitude than yet another crowd or holiday gathering.

Extroverts thrive on time with people and activity, it's when they get recharged, renewed. Yet for introverts, it's usually just the opposite. They're better refueled with time alone, much needed solitude, in order to function at their best.

Christmas is a gift and time for celebration for us all. It's the season that we, as believers, all around this world, remember and honor the birth of Christ our King. And yet, maybe our culture, with all of its busyness, madness, and craze, has turned the holidays into more of an "extroverted" season, which can leave others feeling drained, dry, completely wiped out before Christmas day even arrives.

According to research studies, one-third up to even one-half of our nation's population considers themselves introverts. That's a lot of people. And yet, our culture seems to place more value or expectation on people to be extroverted. Many are left feeling like they are "less than," if not more like the "joyful, merry, life of the party" type of person. Or like there's something wrong with them if they just need some extra time to think, refuel, or be alone. Others confess, due to their jobs, ministry, and workplace requirements, they have learned to be more extroverted simply out of necessity, like an "introverted extrovert." But it still doesn't change who one is deep inside. There's still that inner need to be refreshed, in the way that God's uniquely designed within us all. The better we can accept and understand ourselves, the better we can share our lives with those around us.

Don't simply hold on tight and just do your best to survive through it all.

Live in the freedom of who you are, during the holidays, and in all seasons of life.

10 Tips for Introverts to Thrive During the Holidays:

1. Embrace the fact that God has designed you to be uniquely you. Not someone else. He is the One who gave you the gift of being an introvert. See it as a gift, not as a burden, or some character weakness you need to change to be more like so and so. There is great power in this trait. Start noticing how it has helped you in life, and given you the ability to listen well, to take more interest and time for one on one relationships and conversations, to look more deeply at situations, and notice those around you with keen awareness. We all need each other in this life. And God gives each one of us just the right temperament for His purposes to be fulfilled most greatly and powerfully through our lives.

2. Recognize your need for time alone. And don't feel bad about it. Don't make excuses for who you are and try to be someone you're really not. It's draining and wearying. If you need more time alone, it's a simple fact, not a weakness or flaw.

3. Don't feel the need to say yes to every social gathering and holiday invitation. Choose wisely. Choose well. Make sure you plan for times to recharge, instead of booking your family calendar to the hilt, with no time off for quiet evenings at home.

4. Remember that often the most memorable Christmas moments are found in the small, simple times. Bigger is not necessarily better. More expensive and grand is not necessarily most memorable. Jesus Himself, in the greatest reflection of that very truth. He came to this earth, not born in luxury and festive celebration, but in a simple manger, one dark night. With no big earthly audience except his parents, some cows and sheep, and shepherds who came running to see. Find celebration in the small, quiet, simple moments.

5. Find unique ways to do your Christmas shopping. Look for the times and ways that wouldn't be as stressful to you. Crowds may make you crazy. Holiday traffic can leave any of us frustrated and on edge. Shop online. Or get out early, or later at night, when the crowds aren't as big. Plan to go with a friend, who you can enjoy some one on one time with while you're out.

6. Before the party, event, or family celebration, have a plan in advance. Ask God to direct your steps, and help you reach out to someone else who may be struggling. Think of some things ahead of time, that you might like to ask, conversations starters or questions for a friend or co-worker. It may sound crazy to those for whom words seem to flow easily, but for others who feel uneasy in the social mix, it's strengthening to already have some words prepared.

7. Offer to help your host serve, look for something to do. Sometimes it just helps to have a job, even it seems small, to give something to focus on or be busy with. Offer to help, in the kitchen, getting drinks or food out, setting up, whatever it might be. Often just helping someone else, takes the focus off of ourselves and how "we're" feeling, instead putting all that energy into something more productive and fun.

8. Know when it's time to leave. Ask God for wisdom. And then, just do it. Even if it's earlier than what others think you should. Don't feel guilty or make excuses. Just thank your host, and go home when you need to. Or, if visiting family out of town or while at a gathering for a longer period of time, find moments while there just to refuel. Take some time to step outside, take a walk, take a nap, play a game, offer to drive others to go see a movie, engage in one on one conversation with someone, anything that can refresh and recharge your need for time alone.

9. Look for those who seem lonely. Reach out to others who need help. Introverts often have that keen eye, listening ear, and incredible discernment about the needs and feelings of others. Look for that person at church who seems all alone. Notice the one at the party who might be struggling. Think about those who have suffered recent losses and hardships this year, who may just need someone to visit or call them. Stop for the homeless person. Give to that family who is facing hardship. Reach out. Notice those God sends across your path.

10. More than anything else this season, spend time alone with God. Reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and gift of Christ's birth. Read His Word. Worship. Pray. Sing. Join with other believers to celebrate our King. This is most crucial for us all, introverts and extroverts alike. Without Christ, nothing else matters in this season, or in life.

He alone is the One able to refresh, recharge, and renew our spirits. He knows us. He designed us. He made us for His purposes. He breathes life into our weary souls, and gives joy to our days.

His greatest commandment summed up from Matt. 22: 36-40: "Love God, love others."

That's really at the heart of it all.

About The Author:

Debbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor's wife, mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her each morning on Fresh Day Ahead's facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/DebbieWebbMcDaniel, for daily encouragement in living strong, free, hope-filled lives.

by Mary Southerland

Today's Truth

If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving—large or small—it will be used to measure what is given back to you (Luke 6:38, NLT).

Friend to Friend

The world would like us to believe that the success of Christmas depends upon how much we spend, how many presents we give, or how many presents we receive. Yes, Christmas is about giving, but price tags do not determine the success of our giving. Giving is not dependent on the condition of our checkbooks. Giving is dependent on the condition of our hearts. I am so glad! Like many of you, 2013 has been a year filled with unexpected expenses. We are going to have to be creative gift-givers this year … and that is not a bad thing. We can find creative ways to give gifts from the heart, meaningful gifts that cost very little. Let me share some ideas with you.

A homemade gift

Giving a homemade gift represents time, thought, and is a part of you. When our children were small, one of our favorite Christmas traditions was to create and deliver a homemade hot chocolate mix in decorated mason jars to our neighbors. We placed the jars just to the left of each neighbor's front door, rang their doorbell and ran like crazy! I am not certain who enjoyed it the most … our neighbors or us. (By the way, the recipe posted on my website if you want to carry on this tradition.)

A possession gift

Giving something we already own can be a wonderful Christmas gift if it is something of special value to us. In other words, it is not the idea of getting rid of junk, but of sharing our treasure. Don't ask the question, "What can I buy for Sally?" Instead, ask, "What do I have that would mean a lot to Sally?" My husband is a pastor. During a message, Dan mentioned that he collects old Bibles. The next Christmas, one of our church members gave him a family Bible that had been passed down through several generations of family members. It was and still is one of Dan's most prized possessions.

A gift of time

Time is a valuable gift. When we give someone 30 minutes of our time, we are giving them 30 minutes of our lives. While Dan was in seminary, we rarely had a spare minute or extra dollar between school, jobs and babies. A close friend who knew our schedule gave us a precious gift of time. "I have no money but wanted to give you a gift for Christmas," he said, handing us a card. Inside was a coupon for free childcare one afternoon each week for the spring semester. That was over twenty-five years ago, and I still remember that wonderful gift of time.

A gift of prayer

The greatest gift we can give someone is the commitment to pray. Following our traditional Christmas Eve service, an elderly lady approached Dan and said, "I don't have anything to give you, Pastor. But I want you to know that I will pray for you, Mary and the kids every morning this year at 6:00 a.m." And she did! What a priceless gift! Every time she saw us, this sweet lady asked what we needed and how she should pray. Only Heaven knows all that God accomplished in our lives through the prayers of this godly woman.

A gift of encouragement

We assume that the people in our lives know how much they mean to us. They rarely do. This Christmas, write a letter to someone you love and appreciate, telling them how important they are to you. Be specific. A written note or letter requires time, careful thought, and allows that person to read your words of encouragement again and again. One of my most prized possessions is a blue wooden box our son built and gave me one year for Christmas. In that box, I store notes, letters and cards of affirmation so on my "blue" days, I can pull out a dose of encouragement.

In my next devotion, I will share with you six more gifts from the heart. I pray this holiday season will lead us once again to the manger, where we will worship the Christ child and experience a Christmas holiday filled with love, peace and joy.

Let's Pray

Father, teach us to celebrate Your birth in the way we give to others. Lord, I don't want to get caught up in buying gifts that make me feel good. I want to give gifts that honor God, encourage others and point them to the real reason for this season – Jesus. Be glorified in every gift I give this year.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Read and memorize Luke 6:38 that says, "If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving—large or small—it will be used to measure what is given back to you.

What does this verse tell you about how important it is to give?
What does this verse say about the importance of the attitude behind the gift?
What does God promise to do in our lives when we give generously?

by Mary Southerland

Today's Truth

If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving—large or small—it will be used to measure what is given back to you (Luke 6:38, NLT).

Friend to Friend

Have you discovered the truth that we simply cannot "out-give" God? The more we give, the more we receive. And that truth does not just apply to financial giving. It is really all about the attitude behind the gift. Do you remember the Christmas gifts you received last year? How about the Christmas gifts you gave? What about the gift you gave Jesus? In my last devotions, we talked about several meaningful gifts you can give. Here are a few more for you to consider.

A gift of care

Christmas is a painful time of empty hopes and fierce loneliness for many people. Every loss is magnified. Every wound is deepened. Pray that the Father will give you His eyes to see the broken lambs, crying out for help. This year, do something real for someone who is hurting:

Invite them over for a meal.
Meet one need in their life.
Include them in your family celebration.
Take them shopping with you.

Christmas is always hard for me because it is a time when I especially miss my mother who died many years ago. I don't openly broadcast that fact, but one Christmas, a precious older lady at our church somehow sensed that I was struggling and decided to meet a need in my life. Cards filled my mailbox. Every time I saw her, Miss Marion would hug me and tell me how much she loved me. She invited our children over to bake Christmas cookies and in doing so, became their adopted grandmother. Miss Marion died a few years ago, but her loving care and investment in my life lives on.

A secret gift

Give a gift to someone you know in secret. Dan and I had been married for three years when we first discovered the joy that a "secret gift" can bring. Dan was in seminary, I was teaching elementary school, and we were both serving at a local church. It seemed as if we were always running, always tired, and always broke. At one point, the financial picture was especially bleak. We had ten days of life to go before the next payday - and not a cent to our name. We told no one but God -- and waited. One Sunday night, we pulled up to the mobile home where we were living. In front of the door to our home was a small but heavy package wrapped in brown paper. It was a brick. Taped to each side of the brick was a hundred dollar bill. God had provided for our needs through a truly generous heart, someone who had chosen to give a secret gift. To this day, we still have no idea who "bricked" us, but we often think of them and ask God to bless them for their secret gift.

A gift of forgiveness

The Christmas holidays have a way of resurrecting past hurts. The greatest gift we can give ourselves for Christmas is the gift of forgiveness, because in choosing to forgive someone else, we set ourselves free. Every 60 seconds of anger displaces 60 seconds of joy. Let go of the hurts. Forgive the wrongs and find healing.

Dan sold one of our old cars to a man who worked in the church maintenance department. A payment plan was created, the title was transferred, and the man drove away, never to pay a cent. For months, I was furious, thinking of the man who had stolen our car. To make matters worse, the man then left the church to work at the grocery store -- my grocery store. Every time I bought groceries, he was there and he was smiling. Just the sight of him drove my blood pressure higher as my stomach knotted up with anger. Dan finally decided to give him the car. I decided not to give him the car until I realized that I was the only person being hurt in the deal. The next time I bought groceries, I walked up to the man and said, "I hope you like the car. Dan and I have decided to just give it to you as a gift." I walked away, a free woman, while he stood, open-mouthed and in shock, now holding his own guilt in his hands.

A gift of teaching

What skill, ability or talent has God given you? Each one is from His hand - to be given away in service to others. Is there a young believer in your life you can mentor? What better time to share your gifts and abilities than at Christmas? You may be able to sew or play the piano, cook gourmet meals or beautifully decorate your home. Each talent and ability is a potential gift. In high school, my choral director gave me a free voice lesson each week. Consequently, I attended college on an academic and music scholarship because one woman chose to share her gift with me.

Get creative! Give a gift from the heart this year. And may this be a Christmas filled with the joy of the Lord as you celebrate His birth and life.

Let's Pray

May God grant you the light in Christmas which is faith; the warmth of Christmas, which is love; the radiance of Christmas, which is purity; the righteousness of Christmas, which is justice; the belief in Christmas, which is truth and the all of Christmas, which is Christ.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Grab your Christmas list and set aside some time to pray for each person on that list this week. Do you need to rethink some of the gifts you are giving this year? It is not too late! Ask God how you can best honor His birth by the gifts you give to others.

by Margaret Manning

In the world of quirky factoids and interesting anecdotes, I have often heard that if one lives to be seventy years old, one will have spent three years of her life just waiting. Waiting in line at the grocery store; waiting in the doctor's office; waiting in traffic; waiting for lunch to be ready; waiting for recess time at school; waiting. In his book, Oh, the Places You'll Go, children's author Theodor Geisel, or "Dr. Seuss," describes a place called "the waiting place." It sounds like the place most of us inhabit. He describes it as a useless place where people are just waiting.

Waiting for a train to go
or a bus to come, or a plane to go
or the mail to come, or the rain to go
or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow
or waiting around for a Yes or No
or waiting for their hair to grow.
Everyone is just waiting.

Sometimes waiting feels useless and futile. We are waiting around for what, exactly? More than this, waiting is difficult. It is difficult to have patience. It is something we admire in others, but find difficult for ourselves. Patience is something I can admire in the driver behind me, for example, but not in the one ahead of me!

The patience required by waiting is counterintuitive in our busy, fast-paced world. When our daily lives are made up of high speed Internet, instant messaging, and fast food, waiting for anything seems like an eternity. Moreover, in a world where so much beckons us, waiting asks us to be still and this can feel meaningless. English poet John Milton once wrote that those who serve stand and wait. Indeed, waiting asks us to be disciplined, self-controlled, and emotionally mature as the world speeds by us. Waiting requires an unshakeable faith, hope, and love that will trump all the action done for the sake of expediency. Waiting is often our best, hard work.

Waiting comprises a large part of the Christian worldview. But it is not the useless waiting of "the waiting place" that Dr. Seuss writes about, nor is it simply waiting for certain things or events, a trip or a raise, or even fulfillment. Christians await the return of Jesus in glory.

The season of Advent that precedes Christmas is a season of hope-filled waiting. Advent looks forward in anticipation of Christ's return, but also remembers all those who awaited his arrival into our world more than two thousand years ago. Advent is a season of stillness and reflection and as such, it is the antithesis of all the busyness and chaos of the Christmas shopping season.

The consumer mentality overwhelms and demands a fever pitch of activity. Sadly, any waiting one might do is more likely waiting for Christmas to be over. And rather than being filled with hope and joy, we wait in a state of anxiety, or cynicism, or harried indifference toward the miracle that is upon us. In all of our busyness, we miss the gift of waiting with hope and expectation.

Yet, the Advent season extends an invitation to do just this: to watch and wait for the coming of the King, to wait for the Christ who comes in new ways into the very messy stuff of our lives - not just one season a year. But we cannot hope to catch a glimpse of him without the hard waiting for him to show up.

Of course, there are those who feel they have been waiting so long for God to show up in the messy details of their lives. Giving up on waiting seems to hold the promise of rest, as the work of waiting is wearisome. Just as there were those in the early days of the Christian movement who began to ask "Where is the promise of his coming?" and those who mocked the divine silence of inactivity, it is not difficult to understand how those who wait for answers—for an end to suffering, for reconciliation, for transformation—are tempted towards cynical despair.

Is there hope in remembering that Advent invites us to wait for the God who shows up? Can encouragement be found in the celebration of Christmas, a celebration proclaiming that God has come and that God will come again in the waiting of today? Is there reason to watch and wait for a God who arrives in ways we could not expect?

Advent invites the world to examine these things with courage. The very act of waiting opens eyes, hands, and hearts to receive this most precious gift.

About The Author:

Margaret Manning is a member of the speaking and writing team at Ravi Zacharias International Ministries in Seattle, Washington.

by Greg Laurie

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
- Psalm 46:10

Christmas can be a very hard time for people for many reasons. One reason is that Christmas doesn't always live up to the hype. In fact, it rarely does. You can be very disappointed. A lot of people turn to alcohol and drugs, and suicide attempts go up at this time of year.

Sometimes there is a deep sadness at Christmas because of family problems. Maybe your parents have divorced. Maybe your wife or husband has left you. Last year you were with them, and this year you are alone. Or maybe you have lost a loved one. They were with you last year, and they are not there this year. There is deep pain.

While some are having fun at Christmas, others are in real pain. They need to know that the real message in all the celebrating is that God came to this earth and was born in a stable, and then He went to a cross and died for the sins of the world. That is the message we don't want to lose. He was born to die so that we might live. He went to the cross, died, and rose again, and now He stands at the door of our lives and knocks.

Let's not celebrate the birthday of Jesus and not let Him into his own party. Let's not say no to Him because we are so busy and have so much going on. Open the door of your life and invite Him in.

Sometimes you may wonder where God is in your life. You wonder whether He has left you. No, He hasn't. He is there. He is Emmanuel - God with us. In the hype of the season, let's remember to just slow down, tune in, be still, and know that He is God.