Note to self: If in need of a Starbucks Coffee, it’s best to avoid going on Black Friday morning. We headed for the drive thru line only to see about 14 cars ahead of us. We quickly made our way inside, not even realizing that a large number of Black Friday shoppers had ordered on line, appearing to receive their drinks instantaneously. We settled in at Starbucks for what seemed like a long winter nap until finally our name was called. Coffee at last!
The holiday frenzy has officially begun! Once December hits, our calendars can become so full of busy shopping, parties and entertaining that we rarely have time to pause. As the December marches on, we can easily get sucked up into the craziness and struggle to remember why we’re doing all of this in the first place.
During Christmas, we celebrate and remember that God kept His promise by sending Jesus to earth to rescue us. God has not left us hopeless. He sent Jesus! Isaiah prophesied about Jesus in Isaiah 9:6b “He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Jesus is the reason we celebrate!
Why do we so easily forget what Christmas is all about?
Jesus can give you perfect peace and lasting hope as you place your trust in Him.
Jesus can give you guidance and clarity as you navigate this busy season.
Jesus can give you hope, when life feels very broken.
Jesus can give perfect peace and lift your anxiety and worry.
Jesus can be your wonderful counselor, when you don’t know what to do.
Jesus can be your strength, when you are weak.
When I look at who Jesus is, I wonder how I get so sidetracked at Christmas!! Christmas is about celebrating our Savior's birth! It seems like I (and all of us) can get so sucked into the frenzy.
Maybe, we need to take some time to consider how our Christmas season could be delightfully different. Have you thought about what you and your family miss when you set Christ aside? How would taking time to pause, help you keep Christ the focus this Christmas?
Today is December 1. Picture yourself on your own personal Christmas journey from now until December 25. Your goal is to daily take in the beauty, peace and hope that Jesus came to bring at Christmas. Every day matters! Take time for pause. Read the Christmas story. Celebrate with friends. Enjoy giving to others. Take time to pray. Attend church. Play Christmas music and sing along. Let this month be about keeping Jesus up front and personal this Christmas.
“For God so loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
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