Christmas time doesn't take much to throw you off schedule. You can find yourself on the move to the point you aren't sure of your destination. My opinion is that we can end up exhausted from all of the activity once we return to normal in January. I will be honest about something here. There was one church that had so many holiday parties that my level of irritation grew out of control. It seemed like there was something going on every day or night of the week. This was years ago so do not think it a recent occurrence. Our schedule here reminds me of the third bear's porridge. It is just right.

Today was a school meeting for my youngest. Every year teachers and other school people gather to review his progress along with make plans for the future. Painful is an understatement when it comes to the early days of these gatherings. I am very proud of my boy for his growing in all things academic. He is making remarkable strides in his studies. But the point of saying this returns back to the Christmas calendar. Time is a precious commodity this month. Perhaps it is just as important as money. How is it that the story of the first Christmas slowly reveals itself over almost a year while we try to cram ours into a single month? No wonder we wake up on December 26 wondering how it flew by so fast.

This will be a short post so here is my idea for the night. Could it be we need to examine how we spend our time during the holidays? How much of our hectic schedule honestly draw us closer to the One that we are celebrating? Our study for this Sunday focuses on John the Baptist. He is the man who would "prepare the way" for our Lord. His core message will be one of repentance no matter who you are or think you are. Perhaps we need to be reminded that his words are a divine invitation to new life. We are challenged to let go of actions or attitudes that cloud our way. John might even tell us to be sure we don't let our calendar dictate our heart toward God. His message could be one that helps us see how activity is never a healthy substitute for honest spiritual growth. Don't let yourself be so wrapped up in preparing for Christmas that you forget to celebrate Jesus. How sad would that be?

Bro. Trey