Consumed

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things. -Colossians 3:1-2 (NIV)

Recently someone said that the days leading up to Christmas are especially difficult because his thoughts often turn toward earthly possessions: the things that he wants but does not have. It's not like he can afford these things; his credit card bill is already more than he can pay off and he hasn't even begun shopping for Christmas. 

The scripture lesson this morning leads me to think that God's word for us today is to not get consumed with commercialism this Christmas. Our focus needs to be on the real reason for the season, not on material things that will one day end up in the trash dump or at the recycling center. I'm not saying that we shouldn't give gifts. I like to give them, I like to receive them, and I have friends who own businesses that depend on us to buy them for their own family's livelihood. But perspective is key. Sometimes the best gifts are the ones that can't be wrapped and placed under a tree.

May God grant you the grace to focus on the things that are heavenly during this season, not as a way of escaping, but as a way of realizing what's really of great value.



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If you're interested in reading through the Bible in a year, tomorrow's suggested readings are 1 Timothy 1-4.