Our pastor was talking last Sunday about how hard it is to
see the true meaning of Christmas in this day and time. From Times Square
signage bought by American Atheists proclaiming that no one needs CHRIST this
Christmas to the movies that talk only of elves and romance and presents, it
looks as though Christ is being blocked out of the season altogether.
But there are still manger scenes being erected in church
lots and public buildings all over America. There are still people who know
that Jesus truly is the Reason for the Season. I’m so thankful that when I walk
the streets of our town a manger scene can be found in a storefront window. And
Merry Christmas signs are still seen everywhere.
As I was thinking about my own collection of manger scenes
and how I worked hard to make the lights on one display shine on the baby
Jesus, God spoke to my heart. How many
nativities are set up where Jesus is behind the shepherd? As displays are
observed is the manger itself placed outside the barn? Is the light shining
brightest on Joseph or Mary or one of the Kings?
If we’re not careful we will find ourselves settling for a
personal faith that's been diluted by culture and other people's takes on
spirituality. We’ll have a little Jesus off to the side of our lives and a lot
of self-motivation and me right in the focal point. Only One King can be on the
throne and only one Lord can be the center of our lives. We will inevitably choose who is center –
either ourselves or God. We can even put
family, work, spouses, friends and other things in the center but Jesus says He
will share His glory, His rightful place, with no other.
God speaks again: If you will keep Me front and center in
your life all other things will fall into place. As you look solely to Me for
your needs, your wants and your desires you will find that I AM all you need. When you put me off to the side of your life
other things get mismanaged and become in disarray. Chaos ensues when you try
to put yourself or anyone else but Me in the center of your heart and life.
Feeling burdened by things or people or decisions or choices? Place Me back in
My rightful place and see how it all will get back into focus. I will redirect your path so that you can
focus on Me everywhere you go.
Oh beloved, you are precious in the sight of the Lord. The
Savior of the World has come and ransomed you from everything that can trouble
you and seek to control your heart and mind. Look to Him for everything. Keep
Him in the center of your life. His love and care are your nourishment. His
Words are your guidepost. His precious promises are your reason for living. Don’t
relegate Him to the background. Keep Him front and center and watch as He takes
you where you could never go on your own and makes your life a shining example
of His glory and grace. He loves you and
He’s for you and that’s why you want to keep your focus on Him all the days of
your life.
Hebrews 12:2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on
whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful
death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is
seated in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven.
Deuteronomy 4:29 But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you
seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Psalm 9:10 Those who
know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek
you.
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