Focus!

Too busy to write in my blog.  No time to think, let alone write.  Too many programs and parties.  Shopping, wrapping, a little baking, eating, sharing good times with friends and family.  Practicing with the worship team for Christmas Eve--that's never a chore.  More shopping, more food and fun.  Are the preparations done yet?  When can I stop to breathe?  The excitement continues to build.  We might have a rare white Christmas!  Look at all those presents under the tree!  No, Levi, you can't open one yet!

Why must the Christmas season be so cram-packed?  Why don't we spread it out a little bit?  Sometimes, I wish we could celebrate St. Nicholas Day on December 6, as they do in some European countries, and get our gift-giving out of the way then, so we could concentrate more on Christmas itself as a special time to celebrate Jesus' birth.  On second thought, I suppose the day after Halloween would become the new "Black Friday," merely prolonging the frenzy.  We just can't escape the commercialization of Christmas.  Or can we?


It's time to focus.  That's why I love the Christmas Eve service.  What a privilege it is to worship with family and friends, to shut out the cares of the world for an hour or so, and just concentrate on Jesus, the best gift ever.

Come, Thou long-expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us; Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel's strength and consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art; 
Dear desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart.

 Born Thy people to deliver, Born a child, and yet a King.
Born to reign in us forever, Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all-sufficient merit, Raise us to Thy glorious throne.
                                                                            Charles Wesley

Merry Christmas!









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