The Public-Schooled Christian

(Even though there is usually an interview on the third Tuesday of the month, I thought this was more timely. The interview will be posted next week).

When Christmas break finally came a few days ago, I think we were all ready for it. 

Most of us are burnt out from school, tired, and need a break. We might be struggling with staying focused on Jesus amidst the busyness of life lately. 

Christmas break is supposed to fix those problems… right? 

Over the break, we will rest as we spend time with family and take time off from activities. We’ll make New Year’s resolutions to come up with solutions to the problems we’ve been facing. 

But will we really take time to step back and reflect on our faith and life in the busyness leading up to Christmas day?

The Purpose of Christmas

The purpose of Christmas is to remember Christ’s birth. The King of Kings came to Earth and was born to a virgin in humble circumstances. Isn’t it amazing that Jesus would not only come to Earth but come to Earth humbly for us?

However, we cannot fully remember what Christ has done if we are not fully resting.

The Christmas season is busy when we’re buying gifts, spending time with family, and going to parties. It’s easy to get caught up in the joy of the season instead of the joy Christmas itself gives. The season can distract us from the purpose of Christmas. 

Since the break started, I have tried to spend time with Jesus when I wake up every morning. It is okay for me to be busy throughout the day, but to be focused on Jesus throughout it, I need to have a time when I focus solely on Him. 

Try to take a step back and focus on the miracle of Jesus’ birth throughout the season. We don’t need to clear our schedules, but having a time every day when we simply focus on God can make a big difference. 

Resting and focusing on God will leave us so much more joyful and relaxed than if we let how busy the season can be distract us. Spending time to focus on Jesus’ birth will help us enjoy the events of the Christmas season more fully. 

The Purpose of New Year’s Resolutions

Leading up to the New Year, we will reflect on the past year and all of the good and bad things that happened throughout it. I love scrolling through my photo album and seeing the fun things I did. 

But when we look over what has happened this year, will we sit down and take time to think over it? Will we remember all of the good things God has done this year and thank Him? Will we reflect on what we could have done better and ask Him for help to serve Him better the next year?

So many good things have happened this year. I started this blog in August. I think (and hope) it has helped a lot of people and will help more people  in the future. Thank you, God for The Public-Schooled Christian’s impact.

I’ve met a lot of new people this year and I finally have a close group of friends in church. Thank you, God.

I have grown closer to my family and watched my family members grow. Thank you, God.

But the past few months, I’ve also wasted more time than I should. I’ve scrolled through social media too often and sometimes it has taken the place of time with my family. 

I have rushed through my Bible reading recently. I have read my Bible because it is a habit and haven’t prioritized understanding what I read. I need to slow down and find joy again in Bible reading. 

My church has something called Multiply where teens and leaders meet on Sunday nights to talk about sharing the gospel. Since those meetings stopped for the holidays, I haven’t been thinking as much about sharing Jesus. I need to start taking time every week to reflect on sharing the gospel. 

Lord, help change those things. I know I cannot do it through my own power, but through yours. 

Resting, Remembering, and Reorienting

Most of us don’t want to think about school right now, and we shouldn’t have to. 

However, if we rest well, remember what God has done for us, and reorient the parts of our lives that need change, it will benefit us when the break ends. We will be able to enter the hallways next year refreshed and ready to serve God. 

So take the time to step back and focus on God. Think over what needs to change about your faith or life next year. Relax with your family and friends, and remember the purpose of Christmas. 

What has God done for you this year? What is your favorite thing about Christmas?