Christmas is my favorite time of year. I love decorating my house and tree and buying, wrapping, giving, and receiving presents. I love making everything magical for my loved ones. By doing all of these extras, I might make it much more stressful than it needs to be. Do we even have the time to honor Jesus during all our extra holiday activities and chores? It’s too easy to find ourselves wrapped in the season’s trappings and, by doing so, sacrifice His peace and blessings. Have we really come that far from the meaning of Christmas through celebrating it?
“Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
The Reason for Gift Giving
Salvation through Jesus being the greatest gift is why we give gifts. Does that all get lost within the throws of all the extras this time of year? If we are honest, these extras detract from our time with God. What would happen if we removed all the trappings and worshiped Him at Christmas? Would the market crash, or would Black Friday be in the red? It just might.
Digging Deeper
The time between Christmas and Thanksgiving is even closer this year. The extra shrter time-frame, decorating, organizing, celebrating, cooking, baking, parties, and Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals only add to our already filled plates. At the same time, many are digging themselves further into trouble with debt. Not just monetary debt but emotional energy deficits, spiritual strength, and sleep deprivation. I don’t think this is how Jesus meant for us to celebrate His advent, do you?
But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me! “ “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:40-42
What Would Our World Look Like?
There’s no incentive for social media, influencers, and stores for us to slow down and honor Jesus at Christmas. It’s up to us. While I love Christmas carols playing in the stores and more people saying His name, we are possibly moving farther from Him. What would our world look like if we refused to buy into the trends and trappings? Is it for Him that we spend our time, energy, heart, and hard-earned money at Christmas? Worship involves time, thought, heart, and effort. Might we be substituting or misdirecting our worship to the season and not the Reason? Today’s poem concerns our efforts and energy towards everything but praising Jesus. Maybe as we recognize this, we can make some time to come away to the peace of the manger.
“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28
Poem
