Christmas is a mixed bag for pastors. There is a reason many pastors look forward to the week between Christmas and New Year more than any other part of the Christmas season!
Let me ask you a question. What are you feeling as December marches toward Christmas Eve? Dread, Joy, Anticipation, Anxiety? I certainly have felt all of those things!
This Christmas I want to remind you, encourage you to live the life you are hoping others will find. Pastor out of the overflow of your own deepening walk with Jesus.
Christmas is filled with opportunity and challenge. It is a great time to sow gospel seed and draw in gospel nets. Christmas is a key opportunity to help more people embrace the life changing love of Christ; to help those we shepherd embrace deepening levels of His work in their lives. We feel the excitement and the pressure. The challenge is while we embrace the work we can also hinder His deepening work in us as well. It can keep us from experiencing the same peace we invite so many others to receive. It can keep us from refreshing time with our own families.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. Matt. 2:10
This Christmas I want to remind you, encourage you to live the life you are hoping others will find. Pastor out of the overflow of your own deepening walk with Jesus.
Nurture your own wonder that the Word would become flesh to reveal the Father to you. That the Lamb of God would come to take away your sin. That God would so humble Himself in order that we might live in the blessing of His glory! Wow! Doesn’t that make you heart want to stop, reflect and worship?!
When our hearts are filled with wonder that lingers in Jesus’ presence and deepens faith in His powerful work, we are set free from the fleshy burdens that hijack the season. When our soul overflows with Jesus’ presence, His fragrance is more readily spread through ours.
You already know how this happens. Here is the reminder. Whatever else you do this season, create regular space to sit in Jesus’ presence. Lean in to the good news of great joy that caused Shepherds to leave their work and take a closer look. Adjust your plans to follow the star signs that lead you personally closer to Jesus’ presence. Take time to look more closely at Jesus! When we do this as pastors, He transforms us in ways that make it more likely others will be transformed as well.
Merry Christmas to you dear pastor! I am grateful for you. I am praying this is truly a season of peace and joy for you.
May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ. 2Thes. 3:5
The Pastor's Life 
Very good article.
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