Where is your focus this Christmas?

December 2011

Dear Friend,

Where is your focus this Christmas? With all the activities and church events to attend and people to see, this may be a challenging question for you to answer. So many obligations and tasks may make it difficult for you to find meaning. Or perhaps the opposite is true—maybe the loneliness of the season weighs on your mind. The loss or distance of loved ones can make anyone feel isolated during this time of year.

Whether you are overwhelmed by activities or feeling isolated by loneliness, it’s likely that you’re feeling somewhat lost this Christmas season—especially if your eyes aren’t fixed on Jesus. But you must remember the awesome gift of joy God gives us is that He is with us! If we will keep our attention on Him, He will guide us through every situation and circumstance we encounter.

I saw a perfect example of the importance of having the right focus one winter when I was in Colorado. I remember driving down a snow-lined road on a beautiful sunny day, looking at the mountains rising around me.

I thought, This is just the way life is. There are always peaks we have to climb. Most of the time, the path isn’t as clear as we would like it to be. There are valleys, bends along the way, and obstacles that obstruct our view of where we’re going. The only way we can keep from being lost is to keep the mountain summit in view and always head toward it.

This is what Jesus desires to be for us—the goal we strive for and the focus of our lives. As long as we have our eyes fixed upon Him, we will walk in His ways and avoid running astray. Psalm 46:1 promises, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Like a compass, He is faithful to show us right where we are and where our next step should be.

But perhaps you’re thinking, I know Christ is the reason for the Christmas season, but how can I be focused on Someone I can’t see and don’t really know? Who is this Jesus anyway? Can I really trust Him to guide and direct me? Absolutely you can—and to help you keep your focus on the Savior, I would like to remind you of some of the titles He has been given in Scripture.

Jesus is Emmanuel, which means that He is God with us (Matt. 1:23). The indescribably awesome, infinite Lord of all that exists took on a form like ours and dwelt among us. Through His Holy Spirit, He is with us in every circumstance we will ever encounter. Therefore, we are never alone. Regardless of where we are or what we experience, we are assured of His wonderful, powerful, loving presence.

Jesus is our Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6). Even when our hectic schedules and overwhelming responsibilities increase during this season, we are assured tranquility in our relationships with Christ. He can speak solace and peace to our circumstances when everything around us is in chaos.

Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12). Although you and I may experience difficulties and dark moments, Christ lights the way for us. He assures us that if we faithfully walk with Him, we will not remain in darkness. The Savior will illuminate our paths and lead us to the answers we need.

Jesus is our Great High Priest (Heb. 4:15). He is the holy One who shared in our humanity and who bridges the gap between us and the Father—ushering us into relationships with God and teaching us His ways. Jesus makes intercession for us, understands our human weaknesses, and has the ability and knowledge to meet every need we will ever have. Therefore, there is no One better to teach us how to live.

Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Rev. 19:16). He is the sovereign ruler over all that exists. No problem is too daunting for Him, and we can always trust He will act in our best interests with love, grace, and wisdom. Therefore, He is our perfect Leader who always guides our paths to triumph.

Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). He is our Deliverer, Redeemer, and Savior who does what we could never do for ourselves. He reconciles us to the Father and breaks the hold sin and death have over us. Because Jesus has defeated these, our greatest foes, we can be certain that nothing we ever experience will hinder His perfect presence and provision in our lives.

So what things are vying for your attention this Christmas? What are you spending your time and energy trying to accomplish? I pray that if your faith should waver or you begin to feel lonely, overwhelmed, lost, or empty, you will realize that your focus is not where it should be—on the only One who can fulfill all your needs.

Jesus is worthy of your focus, worship, and praise at all times, regardless of the season. The Prince of Peace, guiding Light, Great High Priest, Lord and King—the One who willingly delivers you from all your sins and burdens—is always with you. I pray this Christmas Christ will be foremost in your thoughts, your comfort in times of loneliness, and your refuge in the midst of storm. May He bless you greatly as you seek His face and celebrate His glorious birth. Merry Christmas!

Prayerfully yours,

Charles F. Stanley

P.S. This Christmas, In Touch Ministries’ broadcast, magazine, and website will be dedicated to answering the question: “Who is this Jesus?” My prayer is that they will help you know our beloved Savior better and keep your focus on Him. Thank you for your faithful prayers and gifts. May our Sovereign Lord, Redeemer, and King be glorified through our partnership now and always.

Copyright 2012 In Touch Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved. www.intouch.org. In Touch grants permission to print for personal use only.

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