December is a month of choices. Intentional or unintentional. We celebrate the choice our Lord made to send Jesus to dwell with us. We also look ahead to the new year. What we do this month reflects the priorities for our time, actions and thoughts.
I’ve been reading wonderful Deuteronomy. As I looked up from my reading today, I was struck by the contrast between my Christmas tree and the creche on my mantle. They reflect two choices, spiritual and secular. While I enjoy the lovely fragrance of balsam branches and the thoughts of giving, I’m keenly aware that this is not what we are celebrating.
Every day, we make choices that are spiritual or secular. What we buy, how we spend our time, and interact with our friends and people we meet along the way. We are constantly choosing what we will focus on and give allegiance to.
The Lord was very specific in Deuteronomy about where our lives and focus should be. And He was clear that blessings flow from focusing on Him.
“‘For this commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it out of reach.’” Pause and think about the italicized words.
“‘It is not in heaven, that you should say, “Who will go up to heaven for us to get it for us and make us hear it, that we may observe it?”
‘“Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, “Who will cross the sea for us to get it for us and make us hear it, that we may observe it?”
But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you can do it.’”
Everything the Lord has given us for life and godliness is within us through His Spirit.
“‘I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him for he is your life and length of days.’” (1)
He is here with us. He will never leave us. His promise was kept by the birth of Jesus, his death and resurrection. That is the most wonderful gift we could ever give or receive at Christmas and every day of the coming year.
“And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.”
Deuteronomy 30:6 ESV
- Deuteronomy 30:11-14, 19-20 ESV
