Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year! If you’re like me, you’re very busy around this time. As we serve in ministry we can forget one of the challenges of this season is not allowing busyness to lure us away from what really matters—Jesus. I know it sounds cliché, but it really is all about Him.
There was a great verse last week in the One Year Bible in Psalm 127 that said, “Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.” While this isn’t directly a Christmas verse, it’s a great reminder that if God isn’t involved, we’re in trouble. If we leave Him out of our families, our marriages, our finances, our plans, or whatever else, we’re going to struggle with “building” anything. So how do we keep Jesus involved in our busyness? Here are a couple of practical ways:
- Bring Jesus with you! Whether you’re shopping, traveling, or visiting family, bring the love of Jesus with you. Be the light in a dark world, wherever you may be. Smile and encourage others as much as possible. There is something about a person that has Jesus at the center of their life. They look different. They are happier, and maybe even more fun to be around. Let others see Jesus through you.
- Attach Jesus to what you give. When you give gifts, include Jesus in it. Write a verse on that gift tag. Add phrases like, “My prayer for you…” to each gift you give. My Pastor shared in his message this week a saying, and I really liked it. He said’ “Remember, Christmas is about Presence CE, not Presents TS.” I think this is a great reminder to not get caught up in what you are giving, but what was given for us. My 11 year old daughter and I have a tradition of adopting an angel from the Salvation Army every year. It started out by me taking her and picking an angel, now it has become her picking out the angel.
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- Keep Jesus in your family. Try to think of ways to make Jesus the center of the celebration at your home. Growing up for me Christmas was never about Christ. Now, when I listen to Christmas music, or attend services at church, that is all I can think about. This year my family will start the tradition of reading the story of His birth on Christmas Eve. I want my 11 month old to know that Christmas is not about the stuff under the tree.
I want to encourage you with this message. Don’t let the hustle and bustle of this season get to you. Remember to slow down, take a breath and make room for the Savior of the World. Don’t let your schedule get to full that you leave no room for Him.
Thank you leaders for all you do for your local churches and the Kingdom as a whole. We are truly honored to be able to partner with you, and do ministry alongside of you.
