Isn’t it a bit of an inconsistency that in the season we most emphasize the reality of Emmanuel—God with us—we spend so little time with Him?
To be sure, the Christmas season is full. And it is often full of good activities—even special opportunities for outreach.
The busyness of the season, however, means that without intention otherwise, our month can become a whirlwind of movement with little worship. It means our schedules can be full, our hearts distracted, and our joy empty.
So what is the answer?
It’s more simple than you might believe. And it is more available than you might think.
It is to be still.
Be still.
When we believe the lie that we must remain in a perpetual state of motion to accomplish spiritual fruit this month, we forget the truth that Christ is the source of all of our fruit. He is the vine, and we are but the branches (John 15:4).
When we believe the lie that we must remain in a perpetual state of motion to accomplish spiritual fruit this month, we forget the truth that Christ is the source of all of our fruit. Share on XThis month, as I preached the great truth of God with us from Matthew 1, I was reminded of how little we ponder its reality.
God stepped into our world.
Yes, we should tell others this glad news. Yes, we should create special family moments to celebrate Christ. Yes, we should participate in special outreach opportunities to share Christ with others. And yes, we should take time to linger in His presence.
After all, if Jesus came down to us, should not we draw near to Him?
If Jesus came down to us, should not we draw near to Him? Share on XWe so often hurry through this season when we need to settle down and consider Christ.
There is a reason that Psalm 46:10 links being still with knowing God: we cannot know God on the fly.
Be still, and know that I am God:—Psalm 46:10
Mary understood something of both the hurry of Christmas and the importance of pondering.
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.—Luke 2:19
In all the pressures and uncertainties of the season, Mary found time to ponder.
We all have a tendency to experience “hurry sickness” in busy seasons. And the cure for it is simply to be still.
Are you doing that this Christmas?
- Are you keeping a daily time of meeting with God through His Word?
- Are you making time to meditate on the greatness of God with us?
- Are you finding time to worship Christ?
