Distracted Devotion
Making Space for Christ During Christmas
Distracted.
That’s where I am today. I sit down with every intention to spend time with the Lord, and before my time is finished, the kitchen counters are wiped, the paper towels are replenished, and three Christmas gifts are on their way to my house – yet I haven’t spent a moment with Him.
My mind jumps from one thing to the next, restless and scattered. I’m pulled in every direction except for the one I’m supposed to go – time with Him.
Many people find themselves in a similar place – wrestling with exhaustion while the mind tries to keep up. The list grows longer with tasks that multiply no matter how many items you seem to check off. I suppose getting older means realizing the magic of Christmas takes a lot more effort than simply believing.
During this season, we are asked to prepare our hearts to receive the story of Jesus’ birth. Yet, I often feel more distracted now than at any other time of the year. The manger scene sitting on my table becomes nothing more than décor – a scene to glance at, not a story to dwell on. I find myself shamed by my daily failed efforts to truly reflect on Christ during this season.
But it’s a Friday morning…
so I made time for Jesus today.
Friday mornings are my coffee dates with God that I simply am not allowed to miss. Why? Because I would never cancel coffee with a friend. If this is true, then my relationship with God deserves the same.
During my time today, I read an Advent devotional that continues to redirect my heart back to the true reason for the season.
In Emmanuel, Ruth Chou Simons reminds readers that from the very beginning of Jesus’ life, He was already worthy of our worship.
The shepherds left their posts to bow before Him. The wise men brought gifts fit for a king because He was worthy of praise and worthy of treasuring. Yet somewhere along the way, we as a society have twisted the narrative of Jesus’ birth, replacing His position with our traditions even if it is with the right intention.
“The simplicity and humble context of Christ’s birth is wildly different than the extravagant display of stuff and self-gratification that marks much of modern-day Christmas celebrations in the West…. So many miss the true worship they were made for when they settle for the worship of lesser things that don’t really satisfy.”
Oof. That hurts. I busy myself with temporary tasks and senseless traditions that don’t actually prepare my heart for what matters most. Rather than bowing in reverent worship like the Shepherds, I bow to the busyness of obligations. Rather than presenting Christ with gifts that resound His name and glory, I settle for acknowledging Him once a week in a church service.
The True Meaning
The reason for the season is to reflect on the true gift – a baby born in a manger who would one day grow up to die a gruesome death to make right for my wrong.
He didn’t deserve that death. Yet, He did it anyways. And He doesn’t deserve my quiet, distracted submission in response to His loud, public sacrifice.
God doesn’t desire our works – the decorations, the presents, the cooking and parties – He desires our presence. That’s the reason for the season!
Challenge
- What do you need to let go of to prepare room for Him?
- How does your heart need to repositioned to reflect Christ daily?
- How can you show His love THROUGH the traditions and presents?
*Could you write cards to friends and neighbors, or gift presents with a Bible verse attached?
*Could you create new rhythms of reading Advent, or transform old traditions to intentionally include more of Christ?
My prayer – for you and for myself – is that we do not neglect time with the Creator of all the earth, the very One these traditions are meant to honor. HE is the reason for the season, and everything we do should flow from that posture of our hearts.
One Comment
Karan Wingate
This is me. I feel like every time you write, it’s me. I’m guilty