Today we're shifting our focus to Christmas with our Scripture readings. So, of course, this got me to thinking about Christmas in general. This weekend was my designated time to get the tree and decorations up around our house. I love Christmas, but for the last several years I've really not enjoyed decorating our house as much as in the past. In fact, as I started into the whole process yesterday, I was a little grumpy about it--ok, I was actually a lot grumpy about it. I was pretty irritated that I had to spend my evening putting up a tree that just had to come down again in a couple of weeks. As I was driving to work today I started thinking about my bad attitude towards Christmas things and asked myself why I've been kind of a "bah-humbug." It didn't take me long to come up with a response. In the last month or so I've been pretty busy--basically doing, doing, doing.... And I've let putting up the tree, which should be a special, fun Christmas experience, become just another "to do." So I guess I need an attitude adjustment and probably a little schedule adjustment as well. :)
So what does that have to do with our readings? Well, Christmas is special. It's about the birth of our Savior. So I don't want to allow my busy schedule to impede in any way my reading God's Word about Jesus, His birth and what He did for me. If I'm not careful, Christmas day will come and go and I'll have glossed over the Christmas story (because after all, I've heard it tons of times). I don't want to miss out on what God has for me this Christmas because I'm off "doing" something.
So if you haven't already, take some time today to open your Bible and read and then just be still before the Lord for a few minutes. When you're done, how about letting me know some ways you and your family are keeping the focus on Christ this Christmas? Tami W.
P.S. Just in case you're wondering, I will be finishing my Christmas decorating tonight---only this time, no approaching it like a "to do." I've got a new attitude and I'm going to do the tree and the house up beautifully!!
This is definitely a year of refocusing for me and thank you P4 for the Christmas readings. I want to work more on getting my heart ready for Christmas not just all my chores and shopping and yes, spending. I want to do Christmas with a heart focused on Jesus in a more deliberate and tangible way than ever before. I don't want this Christmas to slip by me either, Tami! I hope to keep a budget-pray for me- and give gifts and spend time with family in a positive way that comes more from my heart for Christ than from obligation.
How interesting that your post was an exact mirrior of my own approach and thought process regarding Christmas this year. I too realized, thank the Lord, that I needed an attitude adjustment. I have made the decision that whatever I do "for Christmas" from this point forward will be started and ended with a quiet, internal, at least momentary focus on Christ. I am going to picture in my mind first His willingness to leave heaven, his birth, his death and then Him there again in heaven seated on the right hand of God loving us--loving ME--so much.
Hi Everyone,
Tami here. After my blog yesterday I thought I'd update you on my Christmas decorating. I went home last night and went all out with our tree. I loaded it with MANY ornaments. I ran out of hooks right at the end though, so I'll be putting the finishing touches on this evening. I really enjoyed the evening this time around. It's amazing what a little change in attitude can do. Tonight--on to decorating the rest of the house!! Tami W.
Hi Tami,
Here is what I did this year with our Christmas decoration. Honestly, I did never put it away from last year. Yes that is so true, sounds maybe very funny, but I did have my reasons. Here is why. We have a (Porcelain Nativity 10 piece set), Baby Jesus, Joseph, Mary, three wise Man, Donkey, and a Camel. And they are very nice size, around 6" high something like that. I have set it up in my China cabinet, so everyone is able to see it.
I didn't put it away, my purpose was to remind me everyday of the year, that Jesus came here on Earth to save what was lost, include me.
In the beginning of Nov. my Sister in law ask me, oh you have already decorated for Christmas that early? I told her, yes, I already did it last year, never put it away.
I needed to be reminded about Jesus, and why He did this.
The Bible readings are very good too.
Marry Christmas everyone.
After becoming a follower of Christ, this is what pours out of my heart each season...The writer(a poet and wine maker)definitely knows Christ!! It is more than a Christmas Carol, it is a love letter.
O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
'Til He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! O, hear the angels' voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
O night divine, O night, O night Divine.
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here come the wise men from Orient land.
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friend.
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King, Behold your King.
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
Hello
I'm about two days behind on this week devotional because I just signed up the other day.
I've already had a true Christmas spirit like experience this week. My brother and me was having a hard time getting into putting up a big tree and decorations stuff for this year. I caught a moment to talk to God by myself to check my heart and attitude about Christmas. He revealed to me that a True Christmas spirit isn't about putting up decorations about knowing and believing what Jesus did for us on calvary; therefore knowing and believing why Jesus was ultimately born that in itself is the true Spirit of Christmas in each of us. After that moment, I have been at peace, I finally settled on doing a small tree but didn't decorate out of just doing it but I did it out of knowing that Jesus was born to die in my place on calvary. It sounds odd but it is so true that he was "born to die" so that we can have life on earth and peace and good will towards mankind. :)
Everyone have a Merry Christmas!!!
P.S.
I noticed all did a study on Amos last week, anyway I can get access to those scripture study thoughts.
Timothy,
Glad to hear you just joined Powered by 4. Welcome! To find any of the past readings and questions, go to the P4 homepage at www.poweredby4.org and click on the big button at the bottom that says "Your Power Plan." Then click the "Power Plan Archives" link. You'll find PDFs of all the past reading schedules on that page. Hope that helps.
Tami W.
Hi there this is Velia, I have just recently joined Powered by 4. It took me a long time to find the correct bible study site, and I am so glad I came across this site. Like Diana G, I would also like to focus more on Jesus this Christmas. I have only recently asked the Lord into my life, so all the previous Christmas were about the parties, food and present, so this Christmas I want to focus more on Jesus and the meaning of Christmas.