What did you get for Christmas? Most of you spent time yesterday unwrapping packages or tearing into surprises. The piles of gift wrap have been discarded, and some of you may already be disassembling all the decorations. While you exhale from the events that have left you exhausted, let’s inhale the purpose of this holiday.
Undoubtedly there is a sigh of relief that most, if not all, of the parties and gatherings that fill your calendar in December are over. We easily miss the point of Christmas when we are immersed in the pace and commercialism of the holiday. Reflecting back on Luke 2 this past Sunday, we acknowledge that the announcement to the shepherds led them to a place of worship but continued through a mission to share with everyone they met the Good News. “For unto us a child is born.”
Find motivation as you reflect on the faithful action of the shepherds in Luke 2:20. How can this Christmas celebration that is ending actually be the beginning of a renewed passion for God’s Kingdom and commitment to His mission? How can you be motivated to make simple shifts in your routine and calendar to carve out time to meet with God, share God by serving others, and courageously speak His name where you live, learn, work, and play?
At Calvary, we are committed to being a devoted family who loves God and loves our neighbors. This is in response to His love for us that is expressed in the gift of His Son. John 3:16-17 speaks of this clearly. Consider this week how you can love your neighbor. Similarly, you will likely shift your thoughts this week to next year and what resets you can make to live with purpose. One way to fulfill that purpose is by serving, loving, and sharing the Good News of Jesus.