Christmas Challenges (Part One)
The Challenge of Focus
There are those faulty misconceptions, selfish attitudes and actions, and worldly activities that challenge the biblical message, and meaning of Christmas.
How does the birth of the Christ-Child cause us to think and act in the right way, during this Christmas season? There are challenges that we face as Christians, at Christmas, as well as all year long; that I want us to look at in this series entitled:
Christmas Challenges.
We will look at four of them:
1. The Challenge of Focus
2. The Challenge of Family
3. The Challenge of Forgiveness
4. The Challenge of the Future
The Challenge of Focus
"Has anyone ever asked you this question? "What did the pastor preach on last Sunday?" You smile, and cringe inside, racking your brain for the subject or verse he used. If you have never been caught in this predicament, what you were trying to remember was a blur in your mind. I think this happens to all of us, and we need to let it be a reminder, to stay focused on the preaching of God's Word. ("Staying Focused" By Terrie Chapell - January 30,2010 Ministry 127)
When it comes to the message and meaning of the birth of the Christ-Child, we don't want to be like a camera out of focus. Our goal should be to have a clear, steadfast focus on the Biblical presentation and purpose of the angel's announcement to the shepherds, and to the world.
"Do not be afraid, for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people, "for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11)
I believe there are two words in the angel's announcement that should cut through the blur of the mis-conceptions, and the dominance of the worldly attitudes and activities at Christmas. Those two words are:
"to you" This announcement is not just a prophetic message, it is a personal message. "For there is born "to you" this day...a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."
Jesus came into this world to be a Savior for you, and for me.
The challenge this Christmas, as well as everyday, is to focus on this heavenly gift to us. We need to accept this gift, believe the gift, submit and embrace this gift with all of our heart.
Let's not let the confusion and chaos at Christmas cause us to have a spiritual blur of what is most significant, and meaningful at Christmas, and everyday of our lives.
If Jesus (as our heavenly gift) is to be Savior, and Lord of our lives. May it be the main focus of our hearts, and our lives. May it be seen in our lives, not only at Christmas, but every moment we live! GP
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