Christmas is over and the un-decorating now begins, making room for all of the new gifts we received for Christmas. How do we repack the ornaments? Where we store the lights? And what we do with the nativity scene? As you put the decorations away, let me challenge you to intentionally leave one of the items on display. 

When you pack your nativity scene and safely secure Mary, Joseph, and the manger, don’t put Jesus in the box.  At least metaphorically, keep Jesus unpacked throughout the year.

Often, we denounce our culture for “taking Christ out of Christmas.” But do we conveniently leave Christ out of our lives when it seems beneficial to do so? We stand firmly against those who have “taken prayer out of our schools.” But we do regularly pray with our children or pray privately in our prayer closets? We lament culture’s attempts to remove the Bible from public life. But do our Bibles gather dust on our end tables and shelves in our homes?

Living Intentionally in the New Year

In 2022, let’s make Jesus more than the “reason for the season,” let’s make Him the reason for every day.  Make the Bible and prayer a central focus of your personal life.  Expect more of yourself than you do of the public.

Let’s devote 2022 to engaging spiritual disciplines and not relegate Jesus to a box of decorations in our attic. Let’s live INTENTIONALLY in a way that demonstrates Jesus is the “Reason for our Being.”

Later this week, I will share with you some recommendations resources for 2022. I will share devotional books, reading plans, blogs, and podcasts to help you walk with Jesus through the new year.  In the meantime, close out this year by making some intentions plans for your spiritual development going forward.

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. – Colossians 3:17

For ideas on developing a quiet time click here to read A Time for Gathering Stones