Undistracted Holidays

Another Thanksgiving has come and gone. If you are like me, you probably feel deep unrest with the world’s blatant devaluing of the day that has been set aside to reflect on the good gifts of our God and His abundant blessing on our lives. Instead, the world is consumed with secular parades, multiple NFL games, and endless marketing to our consumer-driven culture about Black Friday specials.

Even for the devout, distractions abound during this season of celebration. Preparations for an unprecedented day of feasting, complications of travel, and even engagement in the complexities of family relationships can draw us away from a focused heart of gratitude.

Preparations for an unprecedented day of feasting, complications of travel, and even engagement in the complexities of family relationships can draw us away from a focused heart of gratitude.

As we gathered to express our thanks for the Thanksgiving meal just a few days ago, I shared a reflection that was a bit morbid, but a good reminder. I said, “If we knew that this would be the last Thanksgiving for someone among us, how would this affect the way we cherished our time together?” We talked about taking some time to all share the things we were most grateful for in 2018. With good intentions, we failed to really capitalize on the moment. The distractions of seven small and very active children, cleaning up the kitchen and, for some, tuning in to football caused us to lose focus.

With the Christmas season now kicking into full gear, it isn’t going to get any better. We must think clearly about the little but dangerous distractions, and brace ourselves for a better focus.

The First Christmas

Recently, I read a commentary about the potential distractions that even Mary and Joseph may have faced at that first Christmas. In their much simpler environment, there were diversions that may have derailed their savoring of all that God was doing. This writer proposed the following possibilities:

Mary’s Distractions

  • hormonal changes in her body
  • an awkward and perhaps strained relationship with Joseph
  • a new marriage
  • the disapproving spotlight of public opinion
  • the bad timing of a trip to Bethlehem
  • the uncomfortable ride on a donkey

Mary faced a very difficult time with grace and truth. She is the picture of faithfulness…but that was not because things were easy. It was because her heart was right.

Joseph’s Distractions

  • a new marriage (without consummation)
  • a pregnancy that he did not cause (ego)
  • the responsibilities of providing for a family
  • dealing with a moody wife
  • the anxiety of trying to take care of mother and child
  • the no-vacancy signs in Bethlehem

Joseph also faced the pregnancy with many things on his mind. I have no doubt that he had lots of friends giving him unsolicited counsel on what to do with a wife who was pregnant outside of marriage. Yet Joseph, too, remained faithful. [i]

Warning: Distractions Ahead

I often say the devil does not have to destroy us, he only has to distract us. In this season that is to be, in many ways, the pinnacle of gratitude and worship, we often find ourselves spiritually empty, stressed beyond our limits, and emotionally distraught – largely because we get so distracted with lesser things.

I often say the devil does not have to destroy us, he only has to distract us. In this season that is to be, in many ways, the pinnacle of gratitude and worship, we often find ourselves spiritually empty, stressed beyond our limits, and emotionally distraught – largely because we get so distracted with lesser things.

One key to overcoming the diversions of the season is to anticipate them and put them in perspective. The temporal dynamics of these coming weeks are not the “reason for the season” and we cannot let them become the treason of the season. They are real, but they are not reality. Some of our common stumbling blocks are:

  • shortage of money for the things we would like to purchase
  • loneliness because of distance or changes in relationships
  • memories of “better” days compared to our current situation
  • lack of energy to get everything done
  • expectations from others to participate in holiday activities
  • over-commitment to church events
  • false expectations for the fulfillment we desire from the season
  • stressed and strained relationships

The temporal dynamics of these coming weeks are not the “reason for the season” and we cannot let them become the treason of the season.

The activities and relationships of the season matter and can be important to our hearts. Yet, we cannot let them steal the joy and worship that is to define these important days in the year. If they do, we need to step back, slow down, confess our distraction, and ask for new grace to find our satisfaction in “the Christ of Christmas”, not merely the activities of the advent.

We need to step back, slow down, confess our distraction, and ask for new grace to find our satisfaction in “the Christ of Christmas”, not merely the activities of the advent.

Making the Holiday Holy

The word “holiday” comes from the Middle English, “holy day.” Something that is holy has been “set apart” for divine purposes. Sadly, our holiday often falls apart because of lesser purposes.

The word “holiday” comes from the Middle English, “holy day.” Something that is holy has been “set apart” for divine purposes. Sadly, our holiday often falls apart because of lesser purposes.

Recently, I reviewed the familiar story of Martha and Mary. Jesus was coming to their home. Truly, this was to be a “holy day.” But for Martha, the distractions of the moment diminished her worship and stirred in her many superficial affections and activities that left her overly stressed. As you know, Mary saw this as a moment to set herself apart, to sit at the feet of Jesus and hear His holy word.

Jesus weighed in on the situation with these words: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41–42). Jesus did not only correct Martha’s dreadful distraction, He pointed her to the point of the moment. Mary’s humble, quiet, teachable, focused worship represented the things that matter most – both in the moment and in eternity.

Our goal this season is not just to have an enjoyable holiday but an eternally significant one. How we deal with the many distractions will determine the outcome.

Our goal this season is not just to have an enjoyable holiday but an eternally significant one. How we deal with the many distractions will determine the outcome.

Finding “Kairos” in the “Chaos” of our “Chronos”

In my book, The Deeper Life, I urge the reader to intentionally pursue eternally significant moments (kairos) in the busyness of our days – our expenditure of chronological time (chronos). The holidays should be the most opportune days to discover “kairos in the chaos of our chronos,” but too often the chaos of our chronos robs us of meaningful kairos. As a result, our holidays are void of truly holy days.

The holidays should be the most opportune days to discover “kairos in the chaos of our chronos,” but too often the chaos of our chronos robs us of meaningful kairos. As a result, our holidays are void of truly holy days.

So here are a few practical suggestions for the season:

  • Anticipate the distractions and ask God for the grace to say “no” to the insignificant.
  • Schedule some Sabbath days. Look at your calendar right now and lock in a day or more, just to be with Jesus. He merits your undistracted attention and affection.
  • Win the daily battle and prioritize your regular time with Him. Seek to make each day this season a true “holy day” by seeking first the kingdom of God.
  • Make His love for you and His presence in your life the source of your joy, security, and satisfaction. The Christmas season certainly has many landmines of disappointment and distraction, but these can pale in light of your devotion to Him.

Happy HOLY DAYS to you and yours!

Copyright © 2018 Daniel Henderson. All rights reserved.

[I] http://www.unionchurch.com/teaching-resources/sermon-archive/fighting-the-distractions-of-christmas-2/