Wrapping presents, parties filled with food, travel, decorating
every nook and cranny of our homes, shopping amongst the crowds to find that
one special gift, eating plates filled with food, baking, cruising the town to
view the lights, unwrapping presents, sending out greeting cards, food and
goodies everywhere you turn, singing carols with friends, and did I mention
food all around you! . . .
These are just a few “things” of this world which consume
our thoughts from Thanksgiving through the first of the year. Then after all is said and done, we create a
list of desired goals. Some include
weight loss (after succumbing to all the surrounding of food for the past
couple months), cleaning up our language (after colorful language spewed off
our lips while shopping and driving in holiday traffic), seeking forgiveness
(after facing that family member at the get together), spending more time with
family (after avoiding all events over the past two months due to work or some
other bondage), or seeking to help the community more (after draining our
account to buy gifts for self, spouse and other family who have more than
needed, just to keep the tradition of gift exchange alive).
What are we doing to ourselves America ? Are we allowing traditions, society,
bondages, and this world to steal our reason for the season? Why put off being a Christian for a couple
months and then all the sudden, when the ball drops, decide to change our ways?
I can recall one year that my birthday went to the wayside
in my family’s mind. I am not sure what
season of life each may have been facing; but, this I do know, my birthday
remained far from their minds. I
experienced hurt, sadness and feelings of insignificance. How would you feel if your birthday mattered
nothing to others? The day came and went
without one “Happy Birthday” song, no cake to blow out the candle or gifts to
unwrap? I envision Jesus experiencing
hurt, sadness and feelings of insignificance as He watches us run around trying
to fulfill the ways of tradition during this season. He wonders what happened for us to lose sight
of what December 25 represents. God
desires our hearts to celebrate the greatest GIFT
He gave us. . .a baby born in a manger – our Savior.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of
your mind. Then you will be able
to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 1:2)
Somehow traditions and the ways of the world have come to
supersede the meaning of Christmas. I
drive past businesses with the words, Happy Xmas posted on their sign. I see the parking lots of stores filled to
capacity. I attend parties filled with
food, presents and fun; but, lacking any conversation about Jesus.
Let us be the ones that stand up for our Savior and
celebrate this glorious day approaching.
Ask God to break all the bondages over your life so Satan can no longer
play in your thoughts, stealing your attention from Jesus’ birthday. Put aside the gifts, the food, the parties
and reach out to those in need, clean out your closet to give to others who may
be underdressed for the season due to lack of funds and be His hands and feet
in honor of our Lord and Savior. What
would Jesus do during this season?
God, I ask that you watch
over all during this season. Consume our
thoughts and keep our eyes on You.
Release the bondage I experience with food in this holiday season and
keep my focus on Your Son. Thank You for
His birth and the opportunity to celebrate such a time. Be in every event I attend and enjoy the true
reason for the season. I love you.
Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
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