Why Do We Become Distracted?

Schedules
Spending
Season
Stuff

He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God

– John 1:10-12

Finding Christmas

Finding Christmas means that we recognize Christ
Finding Christmas means that we receive Christ
Finding Christmas means that we rely on Christ
Finding Christmas means that we rejoice in Christ

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

– Luke 2:1-7

People Lost Sight of the Promise

God promised Jesus at the Fall
God promised Jesus through the Kingship
God promised Jesus through the prophets

People Were Not Prepared

The coming of Jesus was expected
The coming of Jesus was not experienced
The coming of Jesus was God’s effort

People made no place

The place was of God’s choosing
The place was of God’s timing
The place was of God’s purpose

Why do we Miss the Messiah?

We misplace our priorities
We follow misguided principles
We are influenced by mistaken persuasion

How Do We Experience the Person of Jesus?

Stop trying to stay on pace
Take time to pause
Remember the presence of Christ