Christmas is my favorite time of year!
I love every detail. The hustle and bustle can be hectic, but each activity holds the possibility of fabulous treasured memories. Every celebration is special. Beautiful music and laughter fill the air; people extend kindness to others. Children’s eyes are aglow with wonder and expectation. Jubilation abounds.
There are so many places to go and things to do! Decorating trees and homes, baking delicious treats, and finding perfect gifts take time and energy. There are events to attend and wonderful fellowship with family and friends to savor. Christmas is filled with joy as we share our love with others.
2020 changed a lot of what has become a “normal” Christmas for many of us. Because the world continues to reel from a pandemic that won’t let go, our lives spiraled into a place of unprecedented adaptation. Wonderful plans for Christmas vacation, time with family, and a multiplicity of activities quickly became two weeks of quarantined rest. Huge family gatherings became dinner for two, and video chats replaced lingering bear hugs from dear family members.
We invest time, energy, and resources into keeping Christmas traditions. Could it be that 2020 will remind us that much of what we do to celebrate Christmas has very little to do with it? Is it possible that we have allowed good things to overshadow not only the “best” thing but the “only” thing that is Christmas?
“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
The MESSIAH, Jesus Christ, left the splendor of heaven to join us on our earthly journey and redeem us from our sin.
“And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21
I have known and loved Jesus for a long time. Keeping Him at the center of Christmas has always been my sincere intent and desire. How can it be that I allowed myself to focus so much on Christmas traditions and activities rather than worshiping my Savior, Jesus Christ? Lord, forgive me. I can truly say that I am thankful that God used the challenges throughout 2020 to peel away many distractions in my life and allow me to focus on Him. Indeed, Christ is more than enough!
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
I pray you that find Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, is all you need. Not just at Christmas, but always. He came to us as a baby in a manger. Jesus lived a perfect life but died a cruel death to offer us the opportunity to right our relationship with Holy God. He rose from the dead and is preparing our eternal home. Christ will return, not as a baby in a manger but riding a white horse, ushering in the final victory. Focus on Jesus. Seek Him. He is not only enough; He is everything.
Merry Christmas,
Charlene Miller
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#charlenemillerblogs
