I can often get distracted by other things instead of focusing on Jesus at Christmas. Decorating the house just right, getting the perfect presents for friends and family, baking goodies, attending all the parties… and the list goes on.
Christmas sometimes just feels so stressful when it should be a time of great celebration and joy for the birth of Jesus. Nothing should take precedence over him.
Each year as we celebrate Christmas, our hearts should be more humbled because we know what Jesus coming to earth meant for us and mankind. It meant that we would never again not feel loved; that we would never again be lost in our sin. It was the tangible moment when we saw God’s redemption plan for us.
Christmas should give you new hope of what is to come for you; hope of what you have to look forward to as his daughter. Looking to Jesus on Christmas allows you to intentionally celebrate what he did for you and be in greater awe of who he is, which allows you to draw closer to him.
What Is the Message of Christmas?
The message of Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus. God sent his son Jesus to be born by the Virgin Mary to save you from your sins—redeeming the world.
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14, NIV)
It was the plan all along, prophesied in the Old Testament. Looking to Jesus on Christmas and what he did for you changes how you approach and experience the holiday.
It helps you to not feel stressed out if you don’t do everything right or get it all done because those things don’t matter. As long as your heart is focused on Jesus, that is what counts. What will give you and your family the best Christmas is looking up to Jesus.
Benefits of Focusing on God at Christmas
Distraction is a tactic from the enemy. He does not want you to keep your focus on God. He wants you stressed out by being too busy on Christmas and focusing on other things.
These other things may be good… but nothing should take the place of focusing on Jesus; it should be all about him.
This is a time when the enemy really uses this tactic to take you away from focusing on the real meaning of Christmas. He knows it’s an intentional time set aside to celebrate Christ. Hearts are often softened and vulnerable this time of year also, for many reasons.
Christmas can be a painful time for many, so they need hope. Many in their pain are searching for something more. This makes it an optimal time when you can potentially share with them about Jesus. But the enemy wants to pull you far from God in a time when he can move in powerful ways in your heart and those of others.
Don’t be distracted. Keep looking unto Jesus the author of peace.
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3, NIV)
This season can either draw you closer to Jesus and bring others to him… or create great stress in your life.
Focusing on Jesus at Christmas
Christmas is all about Jesus. He is the reason for the season. Intentionally looking to Jesus on Christmas allows you to stay focused on him and not be distracted or stressed. We need to do that every day, but especially during Christmas.
Unfortunately, getting distracted from Jesus is easy. If you are struggling to know how to focus on him this Christmas season, find 4 helpful tips here.
Read the Christmas Story
I am sure you have read the story of the birth of Jesus many times… but it’s so important that you continue to read it every Christmas. The Holy Spirit can reveal new insights to you about Jesus—or something that you need a reminder about—which will draw you closer to him. Your depth of understanding will increase, which brings greater wisdom. And the book of Proverbs tells you that wisdom comes from God’s word.
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6, NIV)
God can always provide new insights and revelations of who he is. Read about the birth of Jesus to stay focused on him and be refreshed in what he has done for you. It will keep you grounded in him; what Christmas is really all about.
Having Traditions Focused on Jesus
Christmas traditions are so awesome to have. They add to making the season so special. Make sure you include traditions that are centered on Jesus, which will allow you to focus on him.
Maybe you buy a new ornament each year. If so, buy one that reminds you of the birth of Jesus. There is nothing better and more valuable than making all things about him. Paul reminds us of this in Philippians.
“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ…” (Philippians 3:7-8, NIV)
Make it all about Jesus this Christmas; nothing compares to him. This will help you to not be distracted.
Keep It Simple
Sometimes we can go overboard on Christmas. We want to buy the best gifts for friends and family, which takes up a lot of time and money. We commit to going to every social event we are invited to. This then leaves us feeling overextended and exhausted… losing sight of what Christmas is really about: Jesus.
The Lord calls us to be people who live simply, as it keeps us humble before him.
“The Lord preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me. ” (Psalm 116:6, ESV)
You don’t need to go overboard; that creates too much stress and doesn’t leave you time to focus on Jesus, because you are exhausted.
Jesus is the best gift of the season. Accept the gift of him by not being overscheduled or worn out. Keep it simple by prayerfully considering what Jesus wants you to do (or attend) and by staying focused on God.
Pray
It’s so important to keep communication open with Jesus during Christmas through prayer. But it’s easy to get so busy and distracted that you forget to pray. That is why you need to make it a priority. Pray when things feel overwhelming to stay focusing on Jesus.
“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.” (James 5:13, NIV)
God wants to hear from you and take your burdens so you are not stressed or distracted. Remind yourself to pray—maybe by setting several timers throughout the day. Prayer will allow you to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.
Christmas is all about Jesus. Focusing on Jesus at Christmas can be hard, though, with all the distractions. You can do it by reading the Bible, having traditions focused on him, keeping it simple, and praying. Looking to Jesus will give you the best Christmas that you desire.
