As I was thinking about what to write about during this very special time of year, 3 words appeared in my mind. Of course “Christ” came first, then the “mas” stood out on the paper in the word Christmas, and then “time”. Now I know from having 2 years of Spanish in high school (and trust me that was a long time ago) that “mas” means “more” in Spanish.
No, I don’t remember all of the correct uses and what “mas” is supposed to be combined with to be used properly, but I do know that when combined with the word Christ and time, what pops into my mind is spending MORE TIME with CHRIST.
As I reflect on the many different ways that we can spend more time with Christ, I think how blessed we are to be able to freely share our love of Christ at Lifeline. We share HIS love with our adoptive families. We share HIS love with the children we advocate for and pray for each day. We share HIS love with our Lifeline family. We share HIS love with all of you! That is our mission; that is our purpose!
Lifeline exists to provide a hope and a future for children around the world by bringing families together through the mission of adoption. Our purpose is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to witness the faith through counseling, ministering, residential care, adoption, and orphan care.
During this busy Christmas season, you may think to yourself, there is just no way I have any more time to spend doing one more thing. It’s during these busy times, that the Lord does not always come first because there are so many places to be and so many things to do. The challenge to all of us is to make sure the time with spend with God comes first!
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” ~ Matthew 6:33
Below are some suggestions on ways to spend MORE TIME with CHRIST:
- Set aside time early in the morning to be alone with God. Seek the Lord!
“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on Him while He is near.” ~ Isaiah 55:6
- If you aren’t an early morning Bible Study kind of person find another regular time in your day to spend quiet time with God. Clear the clutter of the world away. Prepare your heart and mind for HIM.
“Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” ~ 1 Peter 1:13 - Use the time you exercise! Read the Bible while on an elliptical machine/treadmill, meditating on Scripture, or going through a list of people/situations to pray for.
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” ~ Psalm 19:14 - Pray for people as you are driving or waiting somewhere.
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people.” ~ 1 Timothy 2:1 - Keep it simple. Don’t have the time you spend with God, just another thing to check off your “to-do” list. The goal is to spend time with God and to grow closer to him without distractions. The important thing to remember is that God longs for you to spend time with Him.
“Pray without ceasing.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Pray with others – designate a time and a place to meet and give this time up to God.
“For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." ~ Matthew 18:20
We need to all ask ourselves, how are we spending our Christmas time? Are we spending MORE TIME with CHRIST? Are we reflecting on the many blessings that surround us during this very special time of year? Or is our life feeling frantic because there is just not enough time in our day to accomplish all that needs to be done to prepare for Christmas?
During this time it is truly challenging to stop and spend time with God. I venture to say that if we all take a moment out of our day to devote time to God; that frantic feeling will become less and less. The Lord can focus us on what is important during this time of year – and that my friends, is HIM!
HE is what Christmas is all about! HE is where our focus should be! HE is our Savior and King! Without HIM, we would not have Christmas. It is not by chance that Christmas is so very special. It is not by chance that the word CHRIST is in Christmas. During this special time of year, spend “mas” time with Christ and just wait and see the plans that HE has for you unfold. May you all be truly blessed!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11
Lisa Kelly
International Adoption Specialist
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