This year I promised myself I would not get bogged down in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. I vowed I would make this holiday more about memories instead of stress and gift giving. I started off pretty good. As a family we participated in Operation Christmas Child which was a huge hit with the kids. Then my husband and I ordered most of our children's gifts online to avoid spending too much in the store or impulse buying. However, then something changed. Perhaps it was the start of Christmas parties, and get togethers. I found myself questioning if I was doing enough with the kids. We did not do an Advent calendar, haven't gone to see a live nativity, or gone on the Christmas light tour. I have yet to put money in the Salvation Army red kettle, we have missed the big holiday parade, and sadly to say I still have not got my husband's, mom's, God-daughter's, aunt's, and some more presents. I started the season with high hopes and now I am starting to feel dread. Then as I was reading this morning I read the following scripture:
8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him. - Philippians 3:8-9 NLT
I realized what have I done this season to lead my family and I in our pursuit of knowing Christ Jesus as Lord. Everything else is worthless. The advent calender, the drive to the live nativity, even the church Christmas party. It's all worthless unless it leads us to a deeper relationship with God and love for his people. So now we are 5 days out till Christmas and I am reclaiming it for my family and I. I am taking this verse as our family verse for the next 5 days to keep us focused on what life (not just this season) is all about. I ask for your prayers in doing so. Be blessed.
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