December goals

December is here! I love this season more than any other. The cold weather, Christmas lights, movies, smells, desserts. Pretty much anything Christmasey I love. Except egg nog. I dislike eggnog, to the dismay of my husband.

As much as I love this season, it is so easy to get wrapped up in all the fluff, and miss out what it's all about. So I've come up with a short list of goals that I have set for myself during this holiday season.

1. CARRY THE SEASON OF GIVING THANKS OVER TO THE SEASON OF CHRISTMAS

Christmas is not about receiving presents. It's not really about giving presents either. If Christmas has anything to do with presents, it is the most precious gift Jesus Christ, who was born in order that He may die to save us from our sin. I don't want to be greedy about things. I want to be thankful, and take joy in giving this year.

2. DON'T BE BUSY

The sad thing about the time we are living in is that there is so much stimuli. Social media, television, traffic, shopping. Honestly the list can go on. All these things are so loud and distracting that it makes it practically impossible to hear from the Lord. Psalm 46:10 says, "be still, and know that I am God..." I want to take time during this season to slow down and meet with Jesus. Here's a few ways I'm doing this:

1. Taking a break from social media.

2. Eating more meals together at the table with my husband.

3. Honing in on the truth of what this season is all about: the birth of Jesus.

3. SPEND MORE TIME WITH JESUS

This season brings the romantic out of me. When I was single, I looked forward to spending this season with my husband. As much as I do love spending it with him, I know that I will enjoy this season much more if I am spending more time with my heavenly Bridegroom. I want to read the Word more deeply, and take the time to pray more consistently with purpose and thanksgiving unto Him.

These are really practical goals that I am setting for myself this Christmas for the purpose of drawing more near to Jesus. Take some time to pray and ask the Lord if there is something you should be changing this time of year as well.