The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. Exodus 16:4
Do you remember studying for finals in high school and college? I remember sliding through certain classes, sometimes doing the minimum to keep up my grades, while concentrating on other things. I seemed to be perpetually distracted by the trivia of day-to-day life. Then, at the end of a semester there were several nights spent trying to cram everything I should have already learned into my brain. No wonder we called it cramming instead of studying.
It would have been so much simpler to have kept up through the semester. Letting the lessons build on each other in a reasonable manner. There would have been time for reflection and growth in that area of my academic life.
In the same way, I find myself going through the holiday season, flitting from thing to thing, taken in by the trivial things of life, instead of concentrating on things spiritual. Then, on Christmas Eve, I try to cram as much spirituality into my life as I can get. How much better to spend the season looking for God in my daily routine, keeping Christmas in my heart, concentrating on Jesus, His miraculous birth, life, death & resurrection.
God presents us with daily lessons, ways that we can grow closer to Him, learning about Him. He makes it possible for us to know Him better throughout the year instead of just concentrating on Him at certain times. These lessons build on one another and many times require time for reflection. This time of reflection is often lost in the busyness of the season, as we try to cram too much into too little time.
So my challenge to you is to join me in making this year different. Take time to listen to God, nurturing your relationship with Him, reflecting on the lessons He presents us with.
Dear Lord, help us to plan now to keep you the center of the Christmas season. Amen
