The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
This is an article that I wrote for our church newsletter a few weeks ago. It reflects my heart's desire as we approach the new year. I hope that you find encouragement by reading it.
Last Sunday afternoon during a particularly hectic moment, Todd Arnold turned to me said with a note of irony, "Remember, 'it's the most wonderful time of the year.'" That phrase from a familiar Christmas song pushed my PAUSE button and for a moment the rush stopped. I quickly hit PLAY again and resumed the pace. It was a delightful evening and the service was a meaningful time of worship. However, that experience speaks to the frantic pace in which many of us live.
This time of year can be chaotic for many people as we busily juggle school projects, basketball practices, Christmas parties, rehearsals, etc. We need to remember that God has not called us to more activity. On the contrary He has called us to love Him and to love others. (Mark 12:30-31) We all show love by serving, but you will remember that in Luke 10:38-42, Martha worked while Mary worshipped. Jesus commended Mary for spending time with Him and He will commend us for the same.
I have two sons and I love them dearly. It brings me joy to give them Christmas gifts and to fix up the house for them. However, I know that the one thing that they want most from me is relationship. They want to spend time with me and to have my attention. And frankly, this is what I want most from them. Rather than simply doing and buying and doing some more, I need to simplify my life and give them what they want and need most, my time and affection.
Our Heavenly Father wants our time and affection as well. He wants us to PAUSE and seek Him. He wants us to de-clutter our lives from all the complexity that keeps us from simply sitting at his feet and worshipping Him. Jesus died to set us free. (Galatians 5:1) Like the prophet Isaiah, I want "to proclaim freedom to the captives." (Isaiah 61:1) Freedom from stuff. Freedom from too many commitments. Freedom from meeting the world's expectations. Freedom from sin that entangles us and keeps us from seeking the Lord. For if the Lord has set you free, then you are free indeed. (John 8:36)
These are busy days, but they are beautiful days. Will you covenant with me and the Lord that we will live in faith and trust Him to work even while we rest? Do you have the faith to throw off the yoke of slavery and take up the cross of Jesus Christ? For His burden is easy and His yoke is light. (Matthew 11:30) Do you believe this? If so, then those around you will see it in your attitude and your actions. You will be a witness to the joy of the Lord for that is your strength.
I challenge you to lighten you load and quit carrying the weight of too many commitments and too many deadlines. God has promised to bless believers with abundant life. Why would the world want to be like us if we just live like the world? God has called us to a fuller life and yet simpler life. I pray that God will give us the wisdom and the courage to claim it. For if we do, then this will truly be the most wonderful time of the year!
- Jonathan Nelms
Last Sunday afternoon during a particularly hectic moment, Todd Arnold turned to me said with a note of irony, "Remember, 'it's the most wonderful time of the year.'" That phrase from a familiar Christmas song pushed my PAUSE button and for a moment the rush stopped. I quickly hit PLAY again and resumed the pace. It was a delightful evening and the service was a meaningful time of worship. However, that experience speaks to the frantic pace in which many of us live.
This time of year can be chaotic for many people as we busily juggle school projects, basketball practices, Christmas parties, rehearsals, etc. We need to remember that God has not called us to more activity. On the contrary He has called us to love Him and to love others. (Mark 12:30-31) We all show love by serving, but you will remember that in Luke 10:38-42, Martha worked while Mary worshipped. Jesus commended Mary for spending time with Him and He will commend us for the same.
I have two sons and I love them dearly. It brings me joy to give them Christmas gifts and to fix up the house for them. However, I know that the one thing that they want most from me is relationship. They want to spend time with me and to have my attention. And frankly, this is what I want most from them. Rather than simply doing and buying and doing some more, I need to simplify my life and give them what they want and need most, my time and affection.
Our Heavenly Father wants our time and affection as well. He wants us to PAUSE and seek Him. He wants us to de-clutter our lives from all the complexity that keeps us from simply sitting at his feet and worshipping Him. Jesus died to set us free. (Galatians 5:1) Like the prophet Isaiah, I want "to proclaim freedom to the captives." (Isaiah 61:1) Freedom from stuff. Freedom from too many commitments. Freedom from meeting the world's expectations. Freedom from sin that entangles us and keeps us from seeking the Lord. For if the Lord has set you free, then you are free indeed. (John 8:36)
These are busy days, but they are beautiful days. Will you covenant with me and the Lord that we will live in faith and trust Him to work even while we rest? Do you have the faith to throw off the yoke of slavery and take up the cross of Jesus Christ? For His burden is easy and His yoke is light. (Matthew 11:30) Do you believe this? If so, then those around you will see it in your attitude and your actions. You will be a witness to the joy of the Lord for that is your strength.
I challenge you to lighten you load and quit carrying the weight of too many commitments and too many deadlines. God has promised to bless believers with abundant life. Why would the world want to be like us if we just live like the world? God has called us to a fuller life and yet simpler life. I pray that God will give us the wisdom and the courage to claim it. For if we do, then this will truly be the most wonderful time of the year!
- Jonathan Nelms
posted by Jonathan Nelms, DWS | 9:42 AM
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