Why is losing weight the number one resolution every New Year? Surveys show that the average weight gain over the holidays is about five pounds so it makes sense folks would want to lose that added weight. But several studies show in fact that the average weight gain is just one pound. The issue is evidently not as much physical as it may be emotional or spiritual.

Good health is indeed multi-dimensional and all three dimensions see temptations abound over the holidays. Food is everywhere in high quantities from Thanksgiving to the New Year tempting us physically; Gatherings with friends and family exacerbate an already busy calendar causing stress and tempting us emotionally; and Missing loved ones that have passed can stir up questions around why they were taken from us and in turn tempt us spiritually.

“Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” … “Do not put the Lord your God to the test” … “Away from me Satan! For it is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’” – Matthew 4:4, 10 & 7. Satan’s temptation of Jesus after 40 days of fasting, was three-fold: Physically – he tempted Jesus with bread; Emotionally – he questioned whether His Father would come to His aid; and Spiritually – he suggested an easier journey if only Jesus would worship him. Satan was not able to tempt Jesus into sin against His Father because He was actually empowered by His 40-day fast. He was completely healthy in all three dimensions. I am not suggesting a 40-day fast leading up to Christmas. It is too late for that anyway. What our Lord encourages by His example is grounding in good health – physical, emotional and spiritual, because it is critical for recognizing and rebuking the devil’s schemes. Take care of your health over the holidays and in the new year.

Tips to good health over the holidays:

• Eat in moderation and keep a regular exercise routine going;
• Put key gatherings with family and friends on your calendar, and maintain sanity by saying, ‘No’ to other invitations received; 
• Keep the Reason for the season at the forefront by reading Luke 1:1 through 2:20 as a family and discuss the miracles, the relationship between Mary & Elizabeth and between Jesus & John the Baptist; and,
• Stay tuned-in spiritually to recognize the devil’s schemes that tempt you and others over the holidays and rebuke them.

Prayer guide: Father, thank You for Your word and Your call for good health physically, emotionally and spiritually. Too often my body, mind and spirit get distracted by the joy and jubilation this world offers over the holidays. Forgive me. Grant me clarity and strength to follow Your example of discipline to stand against the devil’s schemes and rejoice fully in relationship with You, the Reason for the season. Help me maintain good health physically, emotionally and spiritually over this CHRISTmas season. Amen.

A faithful father maintains good health physically, emotionally & spiritually.