The Christmas Rush

With the onset of the Christmas month, our calendars were crammed with long to-do lists of errands to complete. Furniture had to be refurbished, decorations had to be put up, new curtains had to be hung and ingredients for the Christmas-goodies had to be bought. There was so much to do! On Christmas day, as we hurried about with the finishing touches, we lost track of time. Finally, we were so exhausted and distracted that we had to rush just to get to church in time for service.

On the day Christ was born, some shepherds in the fields were also in a rush, but for a better reason. They had received the news that the long-awaited Saviour, the anointed One, was born (LUKE 2:11). They were invited to witness a Baby in a manger (V.12). Filled with excitement at being able to meet Him face to face they “hurried off” to see this event that had occurred, which the Lord had told them about through the angels (V.15). They wasted no time but followed the heavenly instructions and found “the baby in the manger” (V.16). Having seen Jesus, the Messiah, they again hastened to “spread the word” about what they had been told about the child (V.17).

While we rush about with all the things that need to be done before Christmas, we may get distracted from the real purpose of the season— Jesus. May our sense of urgency be, to spread the news of how and why He was born—through our words and deeds. While the festivities of the season are wonderful, the joy of experiencing Christ and making Him known to others is even more so.

How can you refocus on the important things about Christmas? With whom could you share Christ this season?

Dear Jesus, help me spread the true joy of Your birth with others.