In 2020, former procrastinators, our theme has been “Follow Close.” We didn’t know we’d be so close to home, so close to the folks at home, or so close to getting cabin fever! But with or without a pandemic, we have daily made choices to follow Jesus closely or not.
When we didn’t stay up close, it was easier to get irritated, impatient, discouraged. When we did walk “so close to Him that the dust from His sandals got on our feet,” then we were kind, patient, encouraged. We had grace for ourselves and others because we were looking at Jesus, walking in his shadow. Up close to Him, we made better decisions about what to do and when. We were more faithful to take action without delay.
Christmas is a wonderful time to press in close to Him. We’re celebrating His birth, but we can get lost in the fixin’s. To help us stay close to Jesus this season, let’s look at time, gifts, praise. This week, time.
I pushed to be ready for Thanksgiving, then focused on our visiting family. This morning, I realized it had been a week since I’d sat with Him for quiet time and journaling. One day I did meet with Him briefly and focus on a small segment of scripture; it provided steady direction all day. I actually had opportunity to focus on Him most days – but I put Him off. I chose to start breakfast sooner or put up decorations instead. When I returned to Him and His Word this morning, I experienced a deep sense of stability in Christ.
Our souls are still hungry for Him personally at Christmas. It’s worth getting up a few minutes early to sit with Him, read His Word, hear His voice. He is thrilled when we acknowledge His preeminence by moving into His arms as the day begins.
What time will you carve out for daily focus on the Lord this advent season?
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