A Reason to Pause

Christmas day is quickly approaching. Over the past several weeks we have taken the time to consider the changes this past year has brought our way while acknowledging God never changes, and the hope that truth brings to us. We have taken a moment to consider the things we focus on, being intentional to keep our minds fixed on our relationship with Jesus as King. We then realized we have the power within to be a miracle in motion. So what’s our next step? The pause.

Now, right in the height of the Christmas season, it’s time to hit the pause button and breath. Simply—stop and breathe. No thoughts about gifts, cards, meals, gatherings, or lack there of. It’s time to pause from all that easily distracts us from the actual reason for the season. We can become so involved in all that needs to be done to celebrate that we forget why we are celebrating.

My mind goes to the biblical account when Jesus visited the home of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42 NIV). Do you recall how frustrated Martha became when Mary didn’t help her with her to-do-list? She was busy trying to make everything perfect for Jesus while Mary chose to be still and glean the joy that comes along with spending time in the presence of Jesus.

Wait just one moment—let’s not be too hard on Mary, after all, especially during the Christmas season, we all can become busy preparing and likewise miss out on the excitement that comes from being present in the moment.

Martha was so busy doing, she missed out on the gift Jesus was bringing to her. It was right there in her home and she missed it. Jesus didn’t’ need anything from Mary or Martha, He had everything He needed, He did however, desire to spend time with them—He desired to impart something to them.

Wow. What might happen this last week before Christmas if we paused to be still and spend time with Jesus? What gifts might He impart to us?

Unless we intentionally pause, this next week will fly by, and we will miss the reason for our celebration. Without our attention on Jesus, we are merely having a party. Sure there may be gifts, lots of food, and perhaps even a few family members or friends. But what if Jesus didn’t show up? It would be a party without the guest of honor—how sad.

Don’t forsake sitting at Jesus’ feet, (like Martha did), and miss the gifts Jesus desires for you to receive—gifts of love, joy, and peace. All the things we need so disparately in the world today, gifts we cannot buy; yet Jesus made a way for us to receive.

It’s time to pause. Seek time with Jesus, sit back and laugh with Him, cry with Him, listen to Him, and most of all acknowledge Him as the best gift ever given to humanity.

As believers, we have a reason to celebrate Christmas. Let’s decide, like Mary did, to set aside those things, which are less important and spend time with the One worthy of our attention—Jesus.

It’s time to pause—Jesus is calling you to draw near.  How will you respond?

-Lucy Ann

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