Rediscovering Christmas

I am not sure if you are in the same boat as I am right now, but I've definitely allowed myself to get caught up in the commercial side of Christmas this year.

Oh, not that I'm going out and spending tons of money on gifts or anything like that...but my focus has been more on the things that have nothing to do with Christ.

We've been watching our favorite Christmas movies, we decorated our tree and put lights on our house, we've been consuming Christmas goodies, we've listened to a lot of Christmas music (a lot of which is about Christ), and we've participated in some fun Christmas activities. And yet, other than the Christmas musical this weekend at church, I haven't really stopped and thought about what this season is really all about.

The message at church tonight was called Rediscovering Christmas. As I listened, I couldn't help but realize that I've been putting the real meaning of Christmas on the back burner this year. Of course, I know that the reason we celebrate at all is because of the fact that Jesus came to this earth, as a baby, to eventually die for our sins. Yet, that has not been my focus in all of my Christmas happiness. I've been focused on keeping my traditions alive and creating new ones, instead of focusing on what Jesus may be calling me to do this season.

I love so many things about Christmas and this time of year. And, I know there is nothing wrong with that...as long as I'm keeping my focus on what it's really all about.

We were given a print out tonight with the Christmas story in chronological order, taken from passages in Matthew and Luke.
My sister-in-law suggested this afternoon that since there are more kids in the family now, that we should read through the Christmas story on Christmas morning.

I think God's timing is pretty grand.

I hope you are able to take some time in the midst of all the busyness of shopping, parties, and preparations to remember why we celebrate Christmas in the first place.