Christian Living

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Last night I attended the Christmas play done by my son's youth group. It was a Scrooge-like type of play but it pulled forth several topics to reflect on.

This is a busy world we live in. There's too much to do and not enough time to do it all in. Some things must fall by the wayside. My question is--what things are you allowing to fall by the wayside? Are any of them important?

I won't comment on my own response to this question for my report would be shameful.

In one of the scenes of the play, a pastor is visited by the ghost of Christmas future. He is told that people are too busy for church and anyway, now all they have to do is click a button on their computer and 'voila!' instant church. The pastor is dismayed. He paces around, deeply disturbed. "Too busy for church!" he exclaims. "Too busy for church?"

Yes, we're all busy. Much too busy. Much too distracted in our rushing here and yon. Much of the time it seems we don't have a choice. We have to go to work, we have to shuttle the kids everywhere and attend their ball games and activities. We have to shop for groceries and pay the bills and clean our houses and yards. Sometimes church itself is filled with so many activities that it makes your head spin. All fine and good. But are you so busy attending all these things and more that there is no time left for God? That the very person who guides your life and soul becomes just another thing on your neverending to-do list?

My hope is that you set aside time during this busy season of shopping and parties and family gatherings to simply rest. And reflect. And remember the reason we are here and what it is that we're celebrating. And my hope is that you don't just reserve these activities for the holiday season.

Dearest Father God, teach us how to slow down. Remind us that quiet, restful reflection is vital to our relationship with you, and with one another. Show us how to let the world rush past and still our restless hearts from the guilt that arises when we simply try to be still. Thank you, Lord, for the gift of your son, our brother Jesus, and for the promise of rest in You. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

So, I'm trying to stop the world so I can get off
for awhile. I'm too busy for too many things that are far too important. Are you?

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