This Christmas will you be more focused on Jesus than last year?
I am determined not to lose my grip on Jesus as we walk through the Christmas season. There are so many distractions for all of us… with gifts to buy, meals to cook, family drama to navigate and for some of us, travel.
What will you do to intentionally connect with Jesus?
Here are a few suggestions for you:
- Don’t get out of rhythm, keep your regular habits of meeting with Jesus
- Worship with Christmas music (Christmas carols are worship opportunities)
- Read something inspiring that will build your faith
- Ask others to share a testimony about how God has moved in their life
- Attend church (for the next two Sundays and on December 23rd at 6:30pm)
- Approach someone and invite them to coffee and ask to hear their story
- Take a silent solo walk through the park to pray
- Ask the Lord to show you people to pray for out in public
Are you growing in your spiritual life?
So many people think that there is something wrong with them because their spiritual life doesn’t seem to grow on its own. The truth is that all of us who are growing in Christ have been doing things intentionally to help ourselves grow. It takes effort and intention to grow spiritually. There are moments of denying yourself the many comforts and pleasures in life so that our focus won’t be on pampering ourselves and slipping into a life of selfish pursuit.
Christmas Season Trials
Some of us will suffer through difficult trials this Christmas season which is an opportunity to grow, if we choose to press into Jesus. It’s really easy to be a victim and feel sorry for yourself when things don’t go well. We have a choice to complain and moan about our circumstances or to enter into thanksgiving and focusing on God’s goodness. If you isolate yourself in the midst of trials, it will be more difficult for you – because we are created to live life in community. Certainly you wouldn’t want friends (like Job had) who blame you and shame you in the midst of rough times, but try to surround yourself with people who will speak the truth in love and help you find a place of hope and faith as you follow Jesus in and through it.
What would it look like for you to more generous in this advent season?
I’m not asking how you can give more gifts to others, but I’m suggesting a lifestyle of generosity that would get you in touch with the Father’s heart. This could look like spending time with the homeless person huddled in the corner of Starbucks, or being willing to listen to stories from a family member you haven't seen in the past year. Those who listen well love others well. Will you be generous in your listening? Are your eyes watching for small opportunities to serve your neighbors by helping them with Christmas decorations, raking their leaves or helping them unload heavy things from their cars.
Jesus wants us to connect with him more in this season.
I plan to intentional in my pursuit of the King of Heaven and be changed from the inside out and I encourage you to do the same!
Join us for Sunday service in the Dome at 10:30am and you don’t want to miss our Christmas EveEve Service December 23rd at 6:30pm.
