Recently one of my girlfriends shared her interesting black Friday experience with me. While accompanying her friend, whose microwave had recently croaked, to Target early that morning to grab a smokin’ deal on a new one, she spotted some very serious shoppers prepare for what seemed like , battle. This courageous group of about 6 people, which I will name Troop 6 for the sake of this blog, had of course claimed the most coveted place of all, front of the line. It appeared that Troop 6 had camped out all night and were now keeping all their fingers and toes warm by a cozy little fire. As they stood huddled around a huge blown up map of the entire store, Troop 6 intently studied their specific routes, which of course were all marked out. Each one armed and ready to shop holding in their hands a handy dandy list, all necessary ad clippings and an envelope with just the right amount of dough. As the time drew near for the unlocking of the doors they eagerly reviewed their plans and recited what each was to do, keeping their eye on the target. (ha ha that’s where they were shopping!) As their long wait was quickly drawing to an end, pressures mounted with each tick of the clock as Troop 6 suddenly became aware that their map wasn’t quite as accurate as they thought. Knowing the doors would soon swing wide open, Troop 6 regrouped and remapped out some final strategies. Can you just see this whole seen playing out in your mind’s eye? I sure can and I chuckle a little with a non-judgmental smirk painted on my face, knowing that I get the same way about things that are important to me. As she so descriptively relayed this story to me, I thought what effort, what intention and focus Troop 6 had, all for the right gift at the right price.
This reminded me of a challenge that I had recently received from Kay Arthur in one of my morning devotion times. She urged us to intentionally quiet ourselves and spend some time each day reflecting and meditating on the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Right away I noticed the word intentionally and realized how accurately she had penned that word. In our commercialized culture with most of the emphasis placed on material things, this time of year a majority of our time and energy are spent planning, shopping, and driving ourselves more into debt. You really do have to do some upstream swimming to refocus things on Christ. Just like Troop 6, we too have to plan, prepare, maybe even map out a strategy, and be super intentional during this season to celebrate what it is all about… Immanuel, God with us.
Now I know you have heard this message all before, so all that to say this… I have a challenge for you, but it is going to take effort, focus and intention. I was given this challenge so I am just passing it on to you. I myself also completed the challenge and really enjoyed it. Of course you know that because it is the whole reason for this super long blog! So here is what I challenge you to do… Read the first chapter of John underline or circle all of the words that describe the Christ of Christmas. Write them out on a list and then worship your King for all He is. Don’t forget the last three words in the chapter. Go ahead be intentional!
“O come let us adore Him, o come let us adore Him, o come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.”
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