Holiday Devotions for the Distracted HeartSample

Distraction of Deals 

Have I got a deal for you! Buy one get one free! Entire store 50% off! Free gift to the first 100 people!

Black Friday and Cyber Monday headlines are everywhere, seeking to lure customers into their doors or onto their website with the best deal in town. Crowds camp out for days just to get the newest gadget at the cheapest price. My family has been known to rise before dawn to take advantage of some of those bargains. However, our shopping adventures are focused more on being together, stopping for a treat at the coffee shop, and traipsing home with our treasures. 

Our experience was a serious contrast to people on the news pushing and shoving trying to reach that coveted item before it sold out. The marketers have even gone a step further, moving Black Friday deals to Thanksgiving day. While imposing their priorities for more sales, they have devalued time with family and friends.

I like a bargain as much as the next person. I seek out sales and buy the extra item to meet the total purchase requirement for free shipping. But am I stressing more about the cost of the gift than the thought behind the gift? I know I am vulnerable to deal distraction, but as I shop and order, am I just wanting an abundance of packages beneath the Christmas tree? Is more really better? Am I forgetting each gift is supposed to emulate the love God demonstrated when He sent his son?

Jesus offers the greatest gift for us known as GRACE: God’s Redemption At Christ’s Expense. It’s not on a website or advertised on TV but a free gift given to all who believe in Him.  

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life, John 3:16. 

Let us rejoice in God’s free gift of eternal life! This is what our Christmas celebration should be about.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, 

Thank you for your free gift of Grace. It is because of the love you have lavished on me that I can have eternal life. I renew my commitment to you today. Help me keep this as my priority as I celebrate with gifts and activities throughout this Christmas season. 

Amen  

Discussion or Journal Prompt:

How can I focus on loving others through my gift-giving, praying for each person, and honoring them with something meaningful?