Stepping into December
Yeah, it’s been a long, LONG, time since I last entered a new post here. And, really, there’s nothing unique about today… I just felt like it was time to return. Perhaps, all of my readers are gone — I don’t blame them! I’ve done my best to keep content and share updates on Facebook, IG and an occasional podcast, so hopefully others know what’s up with my/our life right now… thanks for remaining interested.
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So, anyways, here’s something from my journal to encourage you. Today is the last day of November and then December IS ON! And, if we’re not careful, we’ll arrive at January 2024 having missed some really important things about Christmas and all those “presents”…
Ultimately, at its core, Christmas is the celebration of “presence.”
The incarnation (God, the Son, coming to earth and becoming human through Jesus Christ) reveals the importance God places on being fully present.
When was the last time you were fully present?
Fully present with your family?
Fully present at work?
Fully present in worship?
Fully present in prayer?
The demands of our busy schedules require us to “show up” for all kinds of things. But there is a difference between “showing up” and “being present.” As you look back over the last week’s Thanksgiving celebrations, ask yourself “how present were you?” — it’s far easier to smile, nod, laugh but not REALLY be who God designed you to be…
Anyone can show up.
It’s harder to be present.
Technology doesn’t help. We look at our devices ALL the time… causing us to be even more distant and selfish. We even get distracted and disengage when someone else’s mobile device makes noise! Ridiculous!
All this can leave us feeling overwhelmed and empty.
I want to be better! Hopefully we ALL recognize our tendency to drift away and give less than we should. So, I’m challenging myself to refuse to be a distracted and distant friend! Will you join me in BEING present?!
WHEREVER YOU ARE, BE ALL THERE!
Let’s make Presence the BEST Present we share this Christmas.
Jesus was called Immanuel = God with us. He IS the gift. You can BE His gift to others!
Doesn’t mean that’s it’s easy or convenient. It won’t be … but’s it’s SO worth it!
But, Chilly, I’m already so tired! Yep, I get you. IF we’re honest, I’m sure most of us are probably feeling a bit wiped out after last week’s Thanksgiving / Black Friday ~ “relative induced craziness!” Whew!! And, now the upcoming Christmas adventure (parties, programs, shopping, services, spending, returning, wrapping, cooking, cleaning and MORE CLEANING) is ready to own you ALL month!
Yes, it can be A LOT! Don’t freak out…
Instead, STOP. Breathe. Smile. Whisper stuff to God! Smirk! Laugh a little.
And, then, make the moments about Jesus and others!
And, ENJOY!
HIS presence coming to others in your life IS the ultimate PRESENT for them (and you). Don’t give up! With the Holy Spirit’s help — you’ve got this!
So let’s not get tired of doing (and being) what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. Galatians 6:9-10
