The World would like us to focus on a number of things this time of year, Spending, gifts, charity, and many things that distract from the true meaning of the year. Yet if it weren’t for the fact that God intervened in the affairs of men, we would be doomed in light of the present, and hopeless in light of eternity. So how do we gain the right focus in our lives? Let me suggest three ways.
1. Remember: How you were saved and how Christ has changed your life. Hebrews 12:2 tells us to “look unto Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith.” Keep in mind that Jesus had you in mind when He came to this earth to die, and you will be a lot less likely to look down on someone else.
2. Renew: your Love for Jesus. Revelation 2:5 reminds us that we need to think on the things that drew you to Jesus in the first place, and let the Holy Spirit fill you with a renewed sense of love and joy in Him. Make the determination that you will spend more time with Him in the Word and prayer.
3. Recommit: to serving the One who gave Himself for you. Romans 12:1-2 reminds us that we need to “present our bodies as a living sacrifice to the Lord.” Why? Because he died to provide us with hope and perspective.
We need to gain the right focus this season by remembering, renewing, and recommitting. We need to understand that the Christmas season is not about us, and what we get, but about Christ and what He gave. The greatest gift ever given to mankind was Christ’s willingness to die so that I may have life everlasting. Enjoy that thought today.