Christmas? Are you kidding? What happened to Labor Day? I was told this would happen I just didn’t think it would happen this soon. The other day I was looking for the coaster I keep on my desk here in the office. I looked all over the desk. I moved papers and books and looked behind file folders – it was gone. I moved my drink three times while looking for the coaster before I realized my drink was sitting in the coaster! Okay maybe age has something to do with that but it was mostly because I was busy, had a lot on my mind, and I was trying to finish up a project.
My point is busyness can cause you to lose focus. Busyness can make you miss the obvious. Too often that happens this time of year. There are things to do, people to see, programs to attend and parties to go to and before long Christmas is over and you never saw it. You remember singing the carols and the kids were so cute when they sang but you missed it. The family got together presents were opened, you ate too much but it is all a blur.
Can I let you in on a little secret? Often the one who is most guilty is the one telling you that you need to be careful. The one who too often looks back on their Christmas celebration with regret -is the pastor. “How are we doing on the offering?” “Is everything ready for the service?” “What about Christmas Eve?” “Did I get by to see everyone?” “I’ve got to be ready the 1st of January with that…” and so it goes. Another Christmas is in the book, every item is checked off, now what about next year? My point is not to gain sympathy or to claim that I have it any worse than any of you but rather to say we both struggle to keep priorities right.
Pray for me as I pray for you – that we both have a peaceful and focused Christmas. Merry Christmas and I’ll see you Sunday.
Rod