Getting Into the Spirit

It’s hard to believe that Christmas is only a few weeks away. Are you relaxed and enjoying this time of year? Or are you rushing around, feeling stressed and pressured? In the midst of already busy lives, even seemingly little things like Christmas shopping, planning holiday get-togethers, or decorating the house for the holiday can seem daunting. After all, there are meals to plan, gives to make or buy, cards to send, trees to put up…

It can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season and forget the true meaning of what we are celebrating: Jesus.

After all, that’s why it’s called Christmas.

Maybe it would help if we all paused and thought about the verse in Luke, chapter 10…

“Martha, Martha,†the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.â€(v. 41)

(Martha was distracted with entertaining Jesus rather than worshipping him. Mary, on the other hand…)

“has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.†(v. 42)

If we start to get overwhelmed and over-busy this holiday season, if we start to feel rushed or stressed, let’s remember that “only one thing is needed†— Jesus.

Let’s celebrate and be thankful for the gift we’ve been given in Him.

Then let’s turn around and give that gift of love to others.

Let’s do things like volunteer our time to make a difference in the life of someone else.

Or buy gifts for children who may not otherwise get any.

Or make an extra effort to spend time with family and friends.

Or create new traditions with our kids. Traditions that reach out and help our world.

And when we do things like this and focus on the love of Jesus, the joy that comes with Christmas will not only be felt within us, but it will be passed onto others.

And that’s getting into the real “Spirit”.