Don’t Give A Present, Be Present

It’s early morning, I just woke up, my 19 month old is playing in the background, the garland is lit up on the upright piano, and I just read a verse that I had to share during this very crazy time of the year:

But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42 [NLT]

I’m a very task-oriented person. I like to get things done, check things off my to-do list. It makes me feel accomplished. And getting things done is great, but to-do lists (or to-buy lists) should be at the bottom rung of our priority ladder during Christmas season. And this is especially true for leaders. The one thing (besides Jesus of course) you should be thinking about during Christmas is people.

And as a worship pastor, I’m approaching December this year a little differently than past years. Instead of focusing on writing my own rendition of Silent Night, I’m thinking of ways to bless my volunteers. Thinking of ways to thank them. Creating ways to give back to them a fraction of all they’ve given to our church. I’m trying fix my eyes less on my phone and more on Jesus and people. I’m trying to really listen to people when they’re talking to me instead of looking around for someone different to talk to. I’m praying for God to open my eyes to hurting or discouraged people who might be coming to church one last time before giving up all hope.

During Christmas, we are celebrating the very thing we should be doing. Giving. There’s no greater way to be more like Jesus during Christmas than to give. Not just monetarily (although that may be part of it), but of your time. Your resources. Your schedule. Your agenda. Your reputation. Because in giving these things, you’re not merely giving a present, you’re remaining present.