I trust you are getting ready for Christmas, and I want to pass on to you some excellent thoughts from the Navigators.
Let’s make sure we keep Christ in Christmas and keep the main thing as the main thing. For all of that, it is Jesus. This is a personal choice that each of us have to make. Make much of the one who has given so much for us.
But I also want to share with you at the end a few important take aways from my trip to Cuba. So check out the e-devotion and then the info from Cuba …
5 Days of Christmas Reflections from the navigators.org
At this time of year, to-do lists can become the focus of Christmas more than Christ. Shopping for family and friends, baking, cooking, wrapping presents, attending parties, and preparing for Christmas leave us busy and exhausted. Let’s commit to keep Christ in Christmas with five days of Christmas reflections.
Day 1: Make quiet time a priority. Taking time early in the morning proves to be a good way to start the day. Focus on Immanuel: God is with us.
Read Matthew 1:18-23
Reflection: What did Jesus give up by coming to earth to be with us? Sit in silence and quiet your heart before the Lord. Ask Him to help you to focus on what matters this Christmas.
Day 2: Are you ready for God’s blessings in your life? Blessings from the Lord on Mary and Elizabeth.
Read: Luke 1:39-45
Reflection: It takes focus to actively listen to the Holy Spirit and to follow with faithful obedience. What steps of faith did Mary take when she heard from an angel she would be Jesus’ mother? She was encouraged when God affirmed her through her relative Elizabeth!
What is God telling you? Take some time to focus on His promises and watch for His hand to be working in your life.
Day 3: Focus on the Christmas star as a promise from God and symbol of hope.
Read: Matthew 2: 1-10
Reflection: A star is a glimmer of light in the dark sky and a great reminder of how much God loves you—sending His only son to earth to eventually die for our sins. We will have eternal life—and hope!
Pray God opens a door to share this hope with others in your life.
Day 4: Focus on the gift of Good News of great joy!
Read: Luke 2:4-14
Reflection: God sent an angel of the Lord to tell the shepherds about the Good News of Jesus being born. That Good News is still offered today! Spend time in prayer and worship thanking God for Jesus this Christmas.
Day 5: The day after Christmas focus on what God has given us today! Peace.
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Reflection: Peace is something only God can give, take heart! Rest in His peace today.
That is powerful, good stuff. May we make much of Jesus this Christmas season.
Now on to some take aways from my Cuba trip. This ministry is really all about helping people come to know and walk with Jesus.
Early in the trip I was part of a baseball game in the town of Las Tunas which is in the east of Cuba. It was like everything was against this game taking place, but God wins. So many people heard the Gospel and many Gospel of John booklets were giving out.
A little later in the trip the FCA sports ministry team leaders were hiking in the mountains of southern Cuba, and one of the people helping us accepted Jesus as our Savior. As I was so tired I looked for one of our team, a local pastor, and he was spending time with the guy who accepted Jesus.
At the end of the trip I got to spend some time encouraging some pastor friends in Havana. They are committed to meeting needs and sharing Christ with more people, and God is using these men and their churches in great ways.
I am grateful to be part of this ministry, and to be part of it at Christmas makes it even more special. I would love for you to join me in making Jesus a special part of your Christmas AND being part of the sports ministry in Cuba!
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