Keeping Focus

As the days and activities of this season pass,

and my Christmas to do list becomes shorter and shorter,

I have to consciously work to keep my focus on the reason for the season

and

not the gifts,

gift givers, or receivers, 

not the parties, activities,

hosts, or guests,

not the food, preparations,

or decorations.

All of these are expressions and extras that are supposed to point to the real reason of the season.

Why, then, can they so easily become my focus?

Lord, may all these extras be put in their proper places in my heart and life.

May my focus remain truly on You and the gift of Your Son.

"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us,

let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us,

and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

fixing our eyes on Jesus,

the author and perfecter of faith,

 who for the joy set before Him endured the cross,

 despising the shame,

 and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." 

Hebrews 12:1-2 NASB (emphasis mine)

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This post has been shared at Word Filled Wednesday at Internet Cafe Devotions

and iFellowship at Seeds of Faith.