It feels like I blinked and suddenly it is almost Christmas. After spending most of November having bronchitis, and now feeling healthy, tomorrow will be December 1st- as in twenty four days until Christmas. It is not an issue of shopping or decorating for me.
Shopping for me takes a few minutes on Amazon ordering things to be delivered. I never decorate or have a Christmas tree. So for me it is not about the trappings of the holiday.
What I was not ready for was the focus on celebrating the birth of Jesus. I have never enjoyed the holiday season, but love celebrating the birth of our Savior through writing in my blog, church services, and my prayer time. Inviting my refugee/immigrant friends to Christmas Eve service has always been a highlight for me.
This time of year I seek to be intentional about keeping my focus on celebrating Jesus not the holiday. Focusing on the holiday and its empty promises without focusing on Jesus can lead to depression and other problems. I think of the lyric of the song Have Yourself A Merry Christmas- “next year all of our troubles will be out of sight.” Focusing on the holiday as some magical time of year leads to problems.
Focusing on Jesus and why he was born leads to experiencing God in our lives. Focusing on Jesus is realistic especially when I think of what Jesus said in John 16:33:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Jesus never made empty promises. He was very clear that this life will be problematic. He was also very clear that he will always be with those who believe in him, so we never face life’s problems alone.
So for me when I say it feels like I blinked and its Christmas time, what I am talking about is that after fighting bronchitis for most of November, suddenly it’s time to focus on celebrating the birth of Jesus and all that means.
Are you ready to celebrate the birth of our Savior?
Thank you for reading. God Bless.
Jesusluvsall's Blog 
without Jesus the holiday has no meaning
AMEN!!!
I love this part, Matt: “Jesus never made empty promises. He was very clear that this life will be problematic. He was also very clear that he will always be with those who believe in him, so we never face life’s problems alone.” I needed that today!
And I’m rather with you on the holidays – I often find I have mixed feelings about it. It’s festive, but too hectic, and knowing it’s not the time of year He was born, it’s hard to get behind a true celebration. Like you, I’d rather celebrate Him all year long.
I love that- celebrate him all year
Hope you are well now.
I love Christmas. And yes, Christmas should be about our Savior, Jesus Christ. When we celebrate it with our focus on the Lord Jesus we won’t get off track in glorifying Him. He is the reason for the season.
Have a blessed day.
I am doing better day by day thank you. Keep eyes on Jesus makes all the difference 🙂
This is nice to know. When keep our eyes on Him, our burdens become lighter.
Hopefully you are feeling better, I am doing a Bible study throughout the Advent Season as I draw closer to our Lord
Good points, Matt! The world makes it easy to celebrate the commercialized part of Christmas so we must be intentional about focusing on Christ, as He is the one and only true meaning behind this holiday season.
Celebrating Jesus year round keeps us deeply connected to Him.❤️
Amen to celebrating Jesus year round 🙂
Have a blessed advent season, Matt. x
Thank you Dawn. May yours be blessed as well 🙂
When I keep Jesus at the heart of my faith journey during this Advent season, His peace fills up my joy.
Blessings Richard as you keep Jesus at the heart of your journey