Monday December 25, 2023

Today is Christmas Day. Christmas is here and Christ is here.

As I enter a time of prayer, I pause and become still. I calm my thoughts and silence my mind. I breathe deeply and slowly, and focus myself on God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Pause and Pray

Holy and loving Father, I rejoice that Christmas is here. I long to put Jesus Christ first in my life today and always. Through the power of your Holy Spirit, enable me to hear the message you have for me. Show me what it means to find Christ in Christmas. Amen

I praise God and celebrate his surpassing goodness with the words of Psalm 105.

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Psalm 105:1-4

Pause and Pray

As I ponder the meaning of Christ in Christmas, I turn to his timeless words from the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus tells me precisely what to seek first in my life. In the Gospel of Matthew, large crowds from many different areas and regions were following Jesus. When he saw the multitude of people he went high on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. This provided a vantage point that enabled his voice to be more easily heard by a large outdoor assembly. Jesus began to teach the people numerous timeless truths. I imagine sitting on the side of the hill amid the throng listening to Jesus speak these words.

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:31-33

Jesus told his followers to put God and the things of God as top priority. I am to put God first in my life above everything else. Every day I must decide what I am going to seek first. I do not know how many years I will live on this earth. I do not know how many Christmases I have left to experience. I have a limited amount of time and God wants me to use my time wisely. During this window of opportunity, I must get my priorities in the proper order. Jesus says I am to seek his kingdom first and his righteousness first. The Greek word translated in English as “seek” is “zeteo.” It means to strive after, aim for (as aiming for a goal), try earnestly to obtain, crave (deep in the soul), or demand to have.

Ask: What do I strive for this Christmas? What is my life goal? What am I earnestly trying to obtain?

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I worry about many things and strive after the inconsequential stuff of this world. Clearly reveal where my priorities are in the wrong order. Help me remember I have a heavenly Father who watches over me and knows my needs. Help me learn to seek God’s kingdom first and strive after his righteousness. I read your words again and listen for the message you have for me today.

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:31-33

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

Jesus begins by listing physical human needs that most people worry about, and then clearly says “do not worry.” I have my own list of worries and worldly things I chase. I consider what it would mean for me to trust God with all my needs and concerns. I want to seek God’s kingdom first in this upcoming year, what is preventing me from doing so? What can I do to change my priorities and make Jesus Christ number one in my life? How can I truly put Christ first?

Pause and Pray

Lord, Jesus, I celebrate your birth and give myself to you. I make a new commitment to seek you first in my life. Show me how to strive for your kingdom and chase after your righteousness. This day I lay all my priorities, goals and ambitions at the foot of the manger and ask you to put them in the correct order. Show me how to live each day putting first things first. Amen.

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:36-38

As I leave this time of prayer and celebrate Christmas day, I put Christ and the things of Christ first. I go to love God and neighbor.

Amen