All very exciting prospects...
But if you’re anything like me,
subconsciously does your holiday go further than that and become a
holiday from church? A holiday from accountability to
Christian friends? A holiday from proclaiming Christ? A holiday
from drinking in God’s words in the Bible? From devoting yourself
to prayer, being watchful and thankful? A holiday from… God?
Paul says to the Colossians “Since,
then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things
above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your
minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your
life is now hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:1-3)
So don’t let this Christmas become a
holiday from God, for your life is different now – live in the
reality of your new life! Here’s a few challenges:
- Get along to a church meeting on Sundays as much as you can. And keep up with Emmanuel church meetings online!
- Keep in contact with your small group. Why not drop one person a text/call each day?
- Be disciplined about spiritual disciplines. Often the first thing that happens over the holidays is we get lazy about reading the Bible and praying – we ignore our relationship with God. How about ban yourself from facebook, or turning your laptop/phone on until you’ve spent some time with God first? Maybe re-read Colossians, a few verses each day.
- Keep praying that you’d make the most of every opportunity, and proclaim Christ. It is still just as important at home as it is at uni.
What is the challenge for you this
Christmas, to ensure that you are not taking a holiday from God?
“So then, just as you received Christ
Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him,
strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with
thankfulness.”
Happy Christmas!
Happy Christmas!
