It’s a strange thing about Christmas. We celebrate Jesus’ birth, and we use the celebration to further our efforts in sharing the gospel. But somehow we seem to easily lose focus this time of year more than any other.
We even lose focus on good things—like ministry. Or sometimes we lose focus by turning our thoughts inward.
Whatever the case, there is One who deserves our focus this month, and His name is Jesus.
And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;—Colossians 1:18–19
Here are seven areas, drawn from the first Christmas, in which to make HIM first:
- Make Him first in your thoughts. Meditate on the Lord and His grace in coming to earth to be our Saviour.
And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.—Luke 1:46–47
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.—Luke 2:19
- Make Him first in your serving. In all of your Christmas serving, do all as unto Him. Make His will yours.
And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.—Luke 1:38
- Make Him first in your time. In the busyness of the season, you will have to make time to worship the Lord.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.—Luke 2:16
- Make Him first in your communication. Talk with others about the Lord—not only in witnessing (although that too!), but in routine conversations with other Christians. Marvel together at His grace and what it means that God is here with us.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.—Luke 2:17
- Make Him first in your giving. He is worthy of the best and the most.
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.—Matthew 2:11
- Make Him first in your praise. Tell others this season what God has done for you.
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.—Luke 2:20
- Make Him first in your restoration. Jesus came to restore the brokenness caused by sin. Where there are broken places in your relationships, seek His help in restoring them—even if you didn’t break them. Where there is brokenness in hearts and lives around you, be an agent of grace—connecting God’s grace to needy hearts.
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.—Luke 2:30–32
When your Christmas activities—whether ministry or personal—are focused on giving Jesus preeminence, it is sure to be a blessed month.
