“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10
Christmas is almost here! This is one of the busiest times of the year for me, and I look forward to it each December. First, there is the shopping, which I confess starts in late November for me. Hunting for parking spaces at the mall, squeezing through the crowds, searching for the perfect gifts for family and friends… I love each moment! Then, there is the decorating of my home. From selecting the perfect tree to placing each Christmas heirloom in the right spot to hanging wreaths and lights… I love this, too! Next, I prepare for family time. This year I am in charge of the Christmas Eve brunch. I have to decide upon a menu, buy the food, then cook and serve it! In between all of this, I have presents to wrap and various Christmas festivities and church services to attend! Wow! I am a busy girl at Christmastime, and while some people do not like the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I absolutely love every single part of it!
Unfortunately, the things that I love about the Christmas season can also distract me from the most important reason for the holiday. I could easily forget all about Jesus as I scurry around completing each task on my checklist. Not okay.
To overcome this, I must be especially diligent to spend time with the Lord every day. Beginning each day reading the Bible and meditating upon it is part of surviving the worldly influences of Christmas that surround us all. I must be spiritually still and listen to His voice as I dwell upon His Word, and then I need to spend time chatting with Him. Forgive my casual reference to prayer, but I like to have an ongoing conversation with God throughout the day. I like to keep my prayer life on an open channel, so to speak. This continued communication helps me keep my heart centered on Him when I see Santa, reindeer and elves everywhere I go.
It truly is easy to get caught up in the festivities of Christmas and lose focus on the most important part – the coming of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Saviour. I must take time to be still, know that He is God and that Jesus is my reason to celebrate this blessed season. Merry Christmas!
Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown,
When Thou camest to earth for me;
But in Bethlehem’s home was there found no room
For Thy holy nativity:
Oh, come to my heart, Lord Jesus!
There is room in my heart for Thee;
Oh, come to my heart, Lord Jesus, come,
There is room in my heart for Thee.
(from “Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne” by Emily Elliott and Timothy Matthews)
“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you…” James 4:8
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By the way, Bible reading and prayer is a good practice for every day, not just at Christmastime!