The right focus at Christmas

By Pastor Di on 12/23/09

“Sing praises to God, our strength.  Sing to the God of Israel.  Sing!  Beat the tambourine.  Play the sweet lyre and the harp.  Sound the trumpet for a sacred feast when the moon is new, when the moon is full.”  Psalm 81:1-3

This Psalm was written by Asaph, who was one of the leaders of David’s choir.  It is a holiday hymn celebrating the Exodus of God’s people from Egypt and a reminder of God’s goodness compared to Israel’s waywardness.  The purpose of this hymn was to remind the nation of Israel of God’s great miracles.  During many of Israel’s feasts or celebrations, God’s people had the opportunity to rejoice in God’s faithfulness and be renewed and strengthened in their own lives.  This time of refreshing and focus on God gave God’s people new resolve to face the daily struggles of life. 

This Christmas, is your focus on gifts, decorations and having all the preparations perfect?  Are you running around like crazy trying to get all of those last minute stocking stuffers?  Will you run yourself ragged Christmas Day?  Or will you choose to STOP, be grateful for God’s goodness and faithfulness, and allow yourself to be renewed and refreshed by re-focusing on GOD?  We all need the strength to face what will be coming our way next, so I, for one, pledge to slow down and rejoice.

“I bring you good tidings of great joy for everyone!  The Savior, yes the Messiah, the Lord, has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David.  And this is how you will recognize him: You will find a baby lying in a manger, wrapped snugly in strips of cloth….Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth…!”  Luke 2:10-14

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

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