As I walked down the aisles at Target, my eyes stopped on a Christmas decoration I knew I had to have.
A red, wooden sign with the word “joy” painted on it in sparkly, gold lettering sat perfectly on a metal shelf. It was as if the sign came to life and called out, “Mandy, buy me!”
So, I did what most women would do. I rationalized the purchase in my mind, placed it in my cart, and bought the sign. What’s one more Christmas decoration, right? They make me happy!
As I drove home, the Holy Spirit convicted me in a loving way as He whispered, “Where is your joy coming from this season?”
Ugh.
I felt politely called out. Have you been here before?
This Christmas, I hope and pray we remember the joy of our salvation; the real reason we rejoice. Is there any greater gift than Jesus? He loves us, and longs to renew our spirits when our thoughts and eyes wander.
Our tendency to forget Him never changes His desire to pursue us.
If you’re like me and tend to get distracted by the glitter or stress of the Christmas season, I encourage you to use each distracting moment as a cue to remember where unwavering joy is found. Remember where lasting freedom, peace, restoration, and hope begins and ends - with Jesus.
Psalm 51:12 (ESV), "Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit."
What distracts you the most during the Christmas season? Ask God to give you courage and space to focus on Him first.
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