The other day I showed up a little early to a surprise birthday party for a friend of mine. And yes, I know the “cool” people don’t get there till late, but it doesn’t quite work that way with surprise parties. You’ll just end up missing the surprise.

Anyways, when I got there, it was like I walked on to wall street during a stock market plummet. You know the videos where everyone is running around all frantic like the world is ending? It was like that.

Talk about a stressful atmosphere. I could feel it from the moment I walked in. Emotions were running high as people ran around trying to get every little thing done perfectly and on time. More and more guests began arriving and the whole thing was quickly becoming a stressful jumbled mess.

As people were preparing food, hanging decorations, and punching each other in the face over music choice (ok, not really but they might as well have been), guests were neglected and it was obvious everyone had forgotten why we were even there in the first place. Which was to honor our friend, and to party!

This Christmas, as we plan and prepare special events, decorations, songs, and any other holly jolly festive things, don’t let the preparations get in the way of why we do what we do. I know how easy it is to get wrapped up in planning and preparing Christmas things to do, and let what’s really important take a back seat to it all.

You’ve heard it before; Jesus is the reason for the season, and let’s not forget it. Don’t neglect your guests in all of the hustle and bustle of our Christmas services.

Jesus is not opposed to doing work on His birthday!

Let’s not get to service time and think, “Oh yea, we should pray.” (I’ve been there) Make Him the focus! I pray that your services go great, but most importantly, I pray that people experience Jesus! Merry Christmas!

How do you stay focused on God during stressful planning and preparing? Let us know below in the comments!

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