“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” (Colossians 3:16)

Our six-month grandson Joshua came over recently while his mom ran some errands. Kimberly left instructions for his next feeding and an ample supply of bottles behind. It was Christmastime, and the tree twinkled in the background as I enjoyed the sweetness of Joshua’s company.

The little guy was ready for his next meal earlier than I had anticipated and began squirming restlessly. I attempted to divert his attention with the sights and sounds of our traditional decorations. I took him over to the tree with its sparkling lights, bright ornaments, and gingerbread-themed skirt. He was not one bit interested. I walked him around the family room to distract him with the cuddly lamb and miniature nativity set. Joshua would have none of it. I wound up the snow globe so he could hear the soothing melody and see the snow cascading inside. He could care less about anything. He had one thing on his mind – milk. Any effort on my part to entice him away from his primary focus was useless!

Eventually I took the hint, tucked him safely in my arms, and gave him the only treasure he wanted. As Joshua gulped the milk I realized this little boy had just reminded me of an enormous truth. December is a time when the demands of “doing” Christmas routinely overcome us. Distractions, details, and duties envelope us in making and buying and partying. In the season where we should be focused on the beauty and wonder of Christ, relishing his presence in our lives, celebrating his miraculous birth, we are doing anything but.

Baby Joshua would not allow one thing, no matter how wonderful, to take him away from his main concern. He was hungry and food was the only essential. Unless he could get milk, nothing else would suit. As God’s beloved children, he has wired us to desire the beauty and the strength of his Word. Our Creator knows that we will be spiritually starved unless we devote time to him. His Word will make us satisfied, settled, secure. God created us with a longing to be fed. When we get distracted and stuff our lives with trimmings and trappings and tiring pursuits, we neglect the very Person who can fill our hearts to the brim and give us the proper perspective for all of life.

“Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation” (I Peter 2:2). For Christmastime. For all the time. For all of us.

Elizabeth Karram Mitchell

Photo Credit: Brad Folkers