A Christmas Encouragement

Have you ever forgotten something important? I recently read a “Christmas warning” about a man who worked hard to remember everything—buying gifts for his children, scheduling time with parents and in-laws, and finishing his work so it wouldn’t interfere with family time. When Christmas finally arrived, he felt fully prepared…until his wife handed him a present she had bought for him. In all his planning and activity, he had forgotten her. (I imagine he learned a lesson that day that he will never forget!)

As unbelievable as that seems, there is an even more serious kind of forgetfulness. The Bible often speaks about God’s people “forgetting God.” Even while gathering in His name, celebrating His birth, and singing worship songs, it is possible to overlook the very One we claim to worship (Deuteronomy 6:12; Psalms 78:11; Matthew 15:8; Amos 5:21). 

Forgetting God does not mean failing to recall facts about Him. It means allowing Him to slip from the center of our lives—no longer our priority, no longer our focus. It is so easy for other responsibilities and distractions to demand our time and capture our attention, until focusing on Him becomes an afterthought or disappears altogether. Remembering God is quite different. We remember Him when intentionally draw near to Him—to give Him our attention, affection, and obedience. 

This Christmas, I hope you enjoy every moment with family and friends. But more than that, I earnestly pray that you will focus on Jesus. Engage your heart and mind as you sing Christian lyrics and read God’s Word. Keeping our thoughts on God requires intentionality, but it always brings joy, comfort, and peace. After all, we are made for Him. 

Suzanne and I wish you a very Merry Christmas!