Christmas often brings bittersweet memories. So, how do I change my focus from the bitter to the sweet?
Remember. On a dark, lonely night long ago, while shepherds watched their flocks, something happened to them that changed their lives forever. Suddenly, an angel appeared to them, “ … and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified” (Luke 2:9 NIV).
I can’t imagine their terror that night. Yet, as they trembled with fear, the first thing the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid?” (Luke 2:10)
Is this the message of truth from God’s Word for me today as I struggle with my memories? Is the Lord speaking peace to me in this dark, lonely moment?
Exalt. “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today … a Savior has been born to you …” (Luke 2:10).
Good news … great joy … a Savior! I need some good news, don’t you? And I would love to experience “great joy,” not just a little joy, but “great” joy! I’m grateful that the Word of God promises me a Savior, Who speaks words of peace, good news, and great joy to my dark, lonely thoughts.
Surrender. After the angels announced the birth of Christ to the shepherds, they left the shepherds there and went back to heaven. How did the shepherds respond? “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened …” (Luke 2:15).
It looks like the shepherds dropped everything to seek this Savior. They don’t appear to have debated the issue either. After their miraculous encounter, they don’t seem to have any fear or doubt about what to do next, even if it meant leaving everything behind—their fields, their flocks, and their fears.
Trust. “So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in a manger” (Luke 2:16).
Is this how faith works? We follow the directions that we sense God gives us, trusting that we will find peace, joy, and the truth He promises? The shepherds had clear directions—where to go and what they would find when they got there.
Experience. “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what they had been told about this child, and all who heard about it were amazed … “ (Luke 2:17-18).
Often it’s difficult to communicate the miraculous. But when you have a spiritual encounter with a supernatural force, it changes your perspective. Suddenly, you want to know and experience more, and you don’t care what anyone else thinks about it.
When you’ve been shaken out of your dark place and shown “the Light,” why would you choose to stay in your dark, lonely world? When peace consumes your chaos and joy fills your sadness, why would you want to go back?
When the promise of a Savior comes, I believe “wise men still see Him.”
Difference. “The shepherds returned glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told” (Luke 2:20).
After the shepherds found their promised Savior, they returned to their fields changed. I’m sure as they watched their flocks, the memories of their miraculous encounter flooded their hearts and minds. Their focus changed, even though they returned to the same fields, which probably did not change much—still dark, lonely, and surrounded by flocks that needed tending.
The shepherds’ focus changed as they rested in the thoughts of their new-found Savior. And today, I choose to focus on my Savior, too. And as I give Him my bittersweet thoughts, I sense His peace and joy once again.
Photo/KarenJordan
How do you change your negative focus during the holidays?
