#7FASHION/Food and Health

Christmas Deco

Christmas is a season of fun. It is reflected in the way we dress, the food, decorations and music that bring out the best in all. High street shops are filled with nicely sequined clothes for ladies and well tailored suits for men and excited shoppers. And for those who prefer to shop online, there's plenty.

But as cost of living becomes a deep concern for many, it's good to make purchases that are wearable after Christmas, classics that are not condemned when the season is over.

How we dress says a lot about us, our self-confidence and even discipline. We must not overspend on food only to bin the next day or over indulge and feel ill.

As a child, Christmas was a busy time in my household. Our clothes would have been designed by my mother and tailored by the seamstress. The decision about the boys suits made by my father and tailored by one of the respectable tailors in town. Nothing beat the joy of Christmas morning.

There was a choice of animals slaughtered so there would be enough to go round with a variety of dishes prepared to feed those invited and the ones that would turn up unexpected. It was a time of open hearts and hands so all would share in the enjoyment.

But not all children were that blessed so it was always a great time visiting the countryside where my mother shared food and clothes with those who could not afford.

What gives meaning to Christmas is the love we share with others which refocuses our attention on the purpose for the season, God's gift to the world.

#Relationships

This brings to mind the fact that although this is a great time of celebration, it is also a time of painful memories for many, as most breakdown in relationships happen at this time. Many try to deal with past issues of betrayal from loved ones that the season reopens.

#Love conquers

This blog is to share the fact that the human race has an enemy that wants to inflict his evil weapons on families and cause separation. We have to be mindful of the danger we face which sometimes start little and when ignored explodes beyond our control when other factors are added such as pride, alcohol, addictive substances that fuel bad behaviour including excessive spending that lead to conflict.

We must not pay so much attention on our appearances and food that we fail to hold one another up in love. For the season is here to remind us of the love of God for all humanity.

#Walk Away Humbly

Sometimes it's better to walk away, leave the scene and let emotions cool.

I have been reflecting sadly on the number of children and young people that become homeless at Christmas.

When growing up, there were many times I disagreed with my parent's decisions, but with time got to understand their point of view knowing that as parents they have responsibility over me.

Families should be intentional in building relationships at this time because of the danger of allowing anger influence responses.

#Plan Together for a Good Outcome

Let's do whatever we can to encourage the whole family to contribute in making the season a success. We must openly discuss past issues and seek forgiveness by apologising for the wrongs done. Choose to forgive insults rather than hold on and go to bed with a bitter heart. Don't treat your children and family as outsiders. The enemy would want you to have a mindset that your family relationships should be secondary to your friendships. Never choose friends above your children and parents.

With the way we choose our clothes with care, we must place an even greater emphasis on how we deal with our family because whether far or near, they remain all we have and we cannot change that as the Christmas story shows.

God did not give up His children even though they failed and rebelled against Him. He did the unthinkable; became a human Being in order to go in search of us. And when He finds one, puts the little rebel on His shoulder home-- the Good Shepherd, [John 10, Luke 15:10]. He did it to me [Read in my book, A Chosen Witness, the Watchwoman].

The cost of ransoming His children made Him look weak, but the greatest power is in choosing to love when He had the power to act otherwise.

Let's be beautiful both inside and out this Christmas and cultivate inner peace that moves us to forgive and honour our Creator God. We show we are children of God when our actions speak for us.

This Christmas, may the LORD help us show love.