As we move toward Christmas, I'd like to point you to my friend, Susan Panzica's blog, Eternity Cafe. Last year, the Lord burdened her to begin a project called 40 Days Focus on Christmas. Her goal is to, "incite personal revivals that will draw our readers closer to Jesus during a period of time that is traditionally harried and anxiety-ridden." In Susan's words, "It is one thing to say and even believe that 'Jesus is the Reason for the Season,' but to live it is something else."
I'm captivated by Susan's prayer, that her blog will provide a daily spark to keep Jesus and His incarnation the focus of every readers' thoughs, plans, actions and activities. Her mission statement is simple, "My desire is not that you get into the Christmas spirit....but that you be filled with the Holy Spirit."
Susan asked a number of bloggers to participate in writing posts for this 40 day adventure. I am privileged to be a part of this team, and encourage you to stop by Susan's blog today and every day between now and Christmas for a time of spiritual renewal!
What helps you focus on Christ during the Christmas season? Determine to give Him His rightful place today!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for this Christmas season when we celebrate the birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for blogs devoted to pointing others to You. Although things may get hectic around me, help me to choose to be still and reflect on the reason for the season - it's all about You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Our mom's group came up with a really cool idea. We made simple "gifts" out of poster board and bows and attached a tag that says, "Gifts for Jesus". Whenever someone in our family goes out of there way and/or does something kind for someone else they can write it on the present.
ReplyDeleteSo far I think it's really driving the point home with my girls.
~ Wendy
I love susan's blog and it was nice that she asked you to write a post:) What helps me focus on Christ this season? --Going to church, not getting caught up in all the buying.
ReplyDeleteWendy - So good to see you! What a great idea! Are your girls trying to out-do one another with activities of kindness?! Now that's friendly competition - the kind a Mom wants!! Have a wonderful week and God bless!
ReplyDeleteTerri - I agree with you! Susan's blog is a definite blessing! Going to church DOES help maintain the right focus and staying out of the malls! Have a beautiful week focusing on Him!
Thanks Maria, I have Susan's blog on my list of favorites, so I already read your post!
ReplyDeleteBeing form Holland, we have different customs; for example: we don't do gift giving, which makes life a lot easier!! I spoke at a ladies Christmas dinner last Friday and I suggested that CHEERFUL giving should be the focus, not finding the perfect gift (which doesn't exist in the material world anyway). I asked the ladies to just buy something nice for their loved ones, AND to add a personal note to it as an act of kindness. I believe every person on this planet needs a kind word... so, maybe something like: I had fun shopping for you, I enjoy your cooking, thanks for opening your house to us, I am so glad you could come etc. etc. Well, you get the idea. Words of kindness can really change the atmosphere and make giving so much more fun, no matter what we buy!
Thanks for sending us over!
ReplyDeleteSweet Friend, Going right over now to read the post and become a follower. Thank you for sharing dear one...you are such a blessing.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Noreen
I loved your writing on both blogs. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteBecause of a seies of events, Christmas season will be quieter for me this year. Now I am of to Susan's blog. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the link, Maria, it is truly a blessing. It's so true that there's so much that could pull us away from the real Christmas essence these days. The world has commercialized Christmas and christians can even be found sweating the small stuff. We have doubled our bible study time on the Christmas story and the life of Jesus. It has somehow made my son excited about really knowing the Truth behind celebrating Christmas. I pray that we all would refocus our celebration to the only reason of the Season.
ReplyDeleteMay you and your family be blessed always. Merry Christmas!!!
http://purplecookiejar.blogspot.com/2010/12/war-against-christmas.html
Hi Maria,
ReplyDeleteI will be heading over there now. What a wonderful idea!
Have a great day and you are a blessing.
Hugs and prayers
Hi Maria -
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to catch up with my blog reading. I'll head over there and read your post. :)
Blessings,
Susan