I’ve heard it already more than once. Maybe you have too. Maybe you’ve said it or thought. “I just want it to be different this year. I just want it to be different. I don’t want to miss it. I don’t want it to get away from me. I want to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas this year.”
It’s easy to understand why we say that. It’s easy to get the sense that maybe we’re just a little bit off when it comes to Christmas and Jesus. But this week can be different. Let’s deliberately take some time this week to recalibrate our souls and connect deeply with the true meaning of Christmas, to connect deeply with Jesus.
But, how do we do that? Here are three suggestions.
Take some time this week to worship and praise Jesus. When I’m at my best with Jesus I find my heart and mouth filled with a song. Jesus is certainly worthy. This Christmas week let’s make sure we see him for who he is and give him what he deserves. Sit in a quiet spot for a few minutes and love the Lord. Focus on Jesus and simply be with him.
Take some time this week to be like Jesus and give. When you give it blesses you and it actually marks you as being like God. God gives and gives and gives. He is gracious and generous to us. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NIV
Take some time this week and make your love tangible and real. Christmas should be a time to love our friends and family in the most memorable ways possible. Time is the real gift Christmas offers us, and no matter how hard we look, it can’t be found at the mall. So take some time to make a gift that turns into the next family heirloom. Take time to write mom a letter. Take time to take the kids sledding (mudding?). Take time to bake really good cookies and sing really bad Christmas carols. Take time to make love visible through relational giving.
Merry Christmas everyone!
-Jeff Metzger
Lead Pastor RHCC
