Devotion 6: Finding Christ in the Chaos
Retail sales at Christmas time is certainly a battle that stores of all kinds are determined to win. My husband, Larry, experienced this firsthand during his retail career. Over the years, he became very calloused during the Christmas season. Early displays and chaotic shoppers gradually hardened his heart toward the real meaning of Christmas. He became crabby throughout November and December and often said how much he had grown to dislike the entire Christmas season. During his long work days, there were little, if any, reminders that Christmas was the celebration of the birth of Christ Jesus. In his work environment, Christmas was just aggravation and trucks full of extra merchandise that he did not want to deal with.
Ephesians 6:12 (NIV) says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
The Christian life is often depicted as a battle in Scripture. Satan wins when our focus shifts from the real meaning of Christmas and is moved to keeping us busy, feeling behind, or inadequate. Satan’s goal is to distract us from the wonder found in the birth of the Savior of the world onto anything else that will keep us from telling people the Good News of Jesus. He is the reason for the season.
In 1 John 2:21 (NLT), we read, “So I am writing to you not because you don’t know the truth but because you know the difference between truth and lies.”
The truth is Jesus’ birth would change the world forever, and Satan knew it. The evil one does not want us out telling anyone about the wonders of Christmas. The message is that Jesus, the Son of God, came to Earth, died for our sins, rose again, and brought salvation to all of humanity.
God, Who is the source of all truth, says that we know the difference between the truth and lies. God is truth. Scripture calls Satan “the father of lies.” Do not let Satan, the one who always lies, make your heart cold with stress and busyness. It is up to us to be intentional and vigilant to keep our focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Take time to remember Who and why we celebrate. Let the love and light of Jesus shine in your words and attitude as you navigate this Christmas season.
My husband retired from the retail world several years ago. I am so glad he has rediscovered the joy of Christmas. It is a reminder that even when we struggle, God’s grace and love are always there to guide us back.
In 2 Thessalonians 3:16, Paul says, “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every situation. The Lord be with you all.”