Christmas is almost here and what joy do we have to show for it? This year I have not been in the Christmas spirit and though I enjoyed shopping for gifts and listening to holiday music, something just seems to be missing. Am I the only one that feels this way?
As I began thinking about this I wondered if maybe my focus was off. What is Christmas about anyway? I researched a little on what the worlds view was and I found out that the percentage of people who believe in the true reason of Christmas is slowly declining.
Do we spend too much of our holidays enjoying the pleasures of this world while Jesus slowly fades away? Are we as Christians okay with sticking Christ in the closet? I’m not saying we should go around and tell everyone how selfish they are for indulging in gift buying, participating in the billions of dollars spent worldwide on things that will only last for a few years, (or if you buy food, only a few weeks *smile*). But where does our own heart lie? What is our true motivation for everything we do around this time of year? And most importantly, what does Christmas mean to you as an individual?
I have to admit I have been very overwhelmed by all the things I had to do before Christmas and I have not stopped one minute to enjoy it. I looked at the unwrapped gifts underneath my tree and wondered what the point was in all this. My motive in getting those presents was to show the receiver that I cared for them, that they mean something to me. But did I enjoy it?
Two weeks ago I spent time with a very good friend and her family. I loved every minute of it. When the enemy started putting thoughts of worry and concern about the next day in my head, God gently prompted me to enjoy the present. Maybe this is what I’m missing in the rest of the season as well. Maybe I need to just enjoy the present. Is this maybe what we all need?
Although we are all different, each of us still has to make a decision of what we focus on, what we keep our mind on, and what our motive is.
What is your focus this Christmas season?
As we finish up our gift shopping and holiday prep, let’s not forget to live with God and enjoy each moment with Him. He truly is the reason for the season!
"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" -Micah 6:8
Be Still and Run 