The Christmas season has come upon us and it’s such a beautiful time of the year! The weather is different, the celebrations are different and even people are different and festive. It’s an amazing time to show love, relax and connect with family and friends.
Even as we hurry to do one thing or the other in honour of the period, let us remember to spend time with Jesus. Isn’t it ironic that the Reason for the season is often the One forgotten during the season?
Well, He is not just the reason for the season; He is the Reason for our every day and the Groom of our hearts. And He yearns to spend time with us. Here are some suggestions that can help us remember to put Jesus at the centre of this period.
- Take Advent seriously. We may not necessarily have to spend the season of Advent the way orthodox churches do (or we may choose to), but we have to agree that there is some value in taking the time to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord. Get an Advent Bible Plan. Fast from some pleasure. Do something anticipatory that renews your excitement in the nearness of Jesus.
- Create a special ‘Jesus and me’ time. He’s with us all the time. But having a set period when we leave all the distractions aside and focus on hanging out with Him will make a lot of difference. And, of course, we shouldn’t limit this to only the Christmas period.
- Revel in the Christmas story. Take advantage of the season and reacquaint yourself with the Christmas story in all its forms: read it in the Bible, read the fictionalized versions, watch a movie, listen to hymns, carol and songs. This will help you to draw closer to Jesus as you consider His coming to earth in different ways.
I wish you a Merry Christmas! May we increase in our love, joy and excitement at the nearness of Jesus, and may we always keep Him first in this season and always.