Is your family one of those where no holiday get-together is complete without an argument between two or three of its members and at least one person sitting alone in a corner somewhere?

The mix of personalities as families gather, combined with the celebration eggnog or wine, can be a dangerous recipe for family harmony. There may never be a way to make every Christmas gathering what it should be - a celebration and sharing of the joy of God’s perfect gift to us, our Savior Jesus Christ.

There is, however, a way to be sure we don’t participate in or add to the disharmony. There may even be a way to stop the turmoil before it begins.

Try this exercise in faith.

Ephesians 5:18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead be filled with the Holy Spirit. [debauchery: excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures. Seduction from duty, allegiance, or virtue]

Before you arrive at the festivities, sit quietly and think about the reason we celebrate, then pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit so that you will be a credit to the name of Jesus Christ on the day we celebrate His birth.

Ephesians 5:19 Speak to one another with Psalms hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.

Your family will surely think you're crazy if you start reciting the lyrics of the Psalms and spiritual songs to them in the course of a conversation, but you can make sure everything that comes out of your mouth is uplifting, lovely, and kind.

Keep yourself in the right frame of mind by singing your favorite praise song or other spiritual hymn in your heart throughout the day.

Ephesians 5:20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Be the leader in a prayer of thanksgiving before the family meal.

Are you surprised God gave us a practical method for surviving the holidays? He didn’t specify only the holidays or even just large groups. He put it in the Bible as a guide for godly living. Try it, you'll see that it works. Think of the difference you can make by practicing this Bible plan, not only on holidays, but every day - as God intended.

Christmas Memories by Lynne Waite Chapman

Pajamas to Penlights by Rick Barry