I, like many people, love the holidays. I love the atmosphere and the closeness I feel to the Lord when I think of His son, Jesus, being born. I love the peace I find during the season, and the time I am able to spend with my family and friends. I find it’s a time of the year that seems to slow down. There is an innocence to it that reminds me of my childhood. 

For so many of us, we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season. We are so tired from running around everywhere, we get distracted. We become distracted from the true reason we celebrate Christmas - Christ.

As we begin this new year, I encourage you to set your mind on Christ. Remember to be heaven-minded. Distraction is so commonplace in our world, we do not even realize it is happening most of the time. 

Think about when you first wake up in the morning. What’s the first thing you do? Check your phone. I am guilty, too. I check emails, etc., and then begin my day. What if instead, we begin our day by taking some deep breaths and telling God how thankful we are. 

Now aside from waking up, our days likely look pretty different from each other. There is however, one similarity. We get distracted often - by others, by money (whether we have it or not), by stresses and anxieties, by schedules and plans, by cell phones and computers - you name it. Many of the things that distract us are not even bad. Most are good things from God we love but have allowed to take over our lives - our families, kids, jobs, ministries, hobbies. Even church can be a distraction from God. We get so wrapped up in doing, we forget to worship. Events, activities, even running late and being flustered when you rush into church can be your distraction if you forget to shift your eyes to the Lord. 

I’ve heard this quoted before in church, “If the devil can’t destroy you, he will distract you.” If you know the story of the sisters Mary and Martha, you know their story of distraction. I wrote an article on their story a few years ago, which you can find here. What Martha was doing was not particularly wrong, as she was feeding the company she had over, but she then became distracted by it, and unlike Mary, she was not enjoying being in the presence of Jesus. 

As we move into 2023, examine your life. What is distracting you? I am in no way saying to quit your job or dismiss your family because you feel they are distracting you from God. The point I am trying to make is this: Is your mindset on Christ? Are we living in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ (Philippians 1:27)? Are you living as an example of Christ for others?

If you feel some conviction with these, slow down. Do not grow weary or lose heart; fix your eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12). Seek first the kingdom (Matthew 6:33) and have the mindset of Christ (Philippians 2:5). Incorporate Christ in your everyday life, and you will find less distraction there.

I pray we can slow down, set aside the distractions, and find Jesus this year. I pray blessings and prosperity over you and yours in 2023!