In Tip 1, I shared how easily distracted I can be by the things of this world.  Even at CHRISTmas.  I can start out with a heart to celebrate Jesus and keep Him at the center of all my Christmas doings but then I can find myself getting distracted by the twinkle lights, decorations, holiday clothes and Christmas menu.  Far too easily it can become about creating a wonderful environment, meal or "look" - all in the name of Jesus or Christmas.  These things aren't bad.  It's just that I have to determine to keep Christ at the center of my Christmas and life.  Then, I have to be intentional about keeping Him there.  I have to fix my eyes on Jesus and not on the things of this world. Okay, so Tip 1 for helping me do this is to stop and remember where I am - the world and what's true about this world and my relationship with it.

Tip 2 to help me keep Christ at the center of Christmas (and life)

Remember whose I am.

I'm not even sure if that's proper grammar but it works for me and hopefully you get the point.  Stopping to remember the truths about who I am in Christ turns my attention away from the world and the desires of my flesh and puts my eyes or focus back on my Jesus.  One of my favorite places to to go when battling with distractions is Ephesians.  It's like having a "V8 moment" with God.  If we belong to Jesus, the below list represents just a few truths about us. This list is our reality!  Read Ephesians, review the list and have that "V8 moment" with God!  In the midst of all the hustle and bustle let's take time to remember whose we are and rejoice - celebrate.  If you don't belong to Jesus or aren't sure - please ... let's talk!  

• Blessed with every spiritual blessing

• Adopted by God through Jesus

• Redeemed through the blood of Jesus

• Forgiven

• Are lavished in God's grace

• Sealed in Jesus with the Holy Spirit

• Were dead in our sins and trespasses

• Walked according to the course of this world

• Lived in the lusts of our flesh

• Indulged in the desires of our flesh and mind

• Made alive together with Christ

• For by grace we have been saved through faith and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works.

• His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works

Remembering whose I am helps me to fix my eyes on Jesus and helps me from getting distracted. So, how about this: if we find we are getting distracted by things like whether or not we have a Christmas tree, give or receive presents, sending or receiving Christmas cards, family gatherings, meals to cook (or not) - whatever - let's take time to remember where we are and whose we are.

What tips do you have to share?