The Spirit Of God Or The Spirit Of Christmas?

The Spirit of Christmas vs. The Spirit of God: A Call to Deeper Spiritual Discernment

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As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves caught up in the "Christmas spirit." We decorate our homes, sing festive songs, and engage in beloved traditions. But have you ever paused to consider how this seasonal shift in mindset compares to our daily walk with God? This reflection invites us to explore the parallels between getting into the Christmas spirit and cultivating a consistent, vibrant relationship with the Holy Spirit.

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The Christmas Spirit: A Familiar Pattern

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Think about how effortlessly we transition into the Christmas season. We know exactly what to do: put up the tree, hang the lights, wrap the gifts. These physical actions and environmental changes trigger a shift in our mood and mindset. We don't struggle to "feel" Christmassy; we simply engage in the rituals, and the spirit follows.

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Now, consider our approach to connecting with God's Spirit. Many Christians express uncertainty about how to "hear God's voice" or "walk in the Spirit." We often wait passively, hoping for a supernatural encounter or a sudden feeling of closeness to God. But what if we applied the same intentional approach to our spiritual lives that we do to celebrating Christmas?

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Discerning the Spirits

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The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:14, "The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit." As believers, we're called to be spiritual discerners, able to distinguish between the Spirit of God and the spirit of the world.

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This discernment is crucial because the world's patterns can easily sweep us along. We get caught up in political fervor, cultural trends, and even the "Christmas spirit" without pausing to consider how these align with God's Spirit. The challenge is to cultivate a sensitivity to God's presence and leading that surpasses our responsiveness to worldly stimuli.

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Creating a Spiritual Atmosphere

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Just as we create a Christmas atmosphere in our homes, we can intentionally cultivate an environment conducive to spiritual growth. This might involve:

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1. Setting aside dedicated prayer time

2. Creating a special space for Bible reading

3. Playing worship music to shift the atmosphere

4. Establishing routines that prioritize spiritual disciplines

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The key is to recognize that while God's Spirit is always present, our awareness and receptivity often require deliberate cultivation.

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Staying in Step with the Spirit

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In Galatians 5:25, Paul exhorts, "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." This beautiful metaphor paints a picture of walking side-by-side with God, maintaining a consistent pace and intimate conversation.

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Think about walking alongside a friend. When you're engaged in conversation, you naturally fall into step together. But if you become distracted, task focused or hurry ahead, that synchronization is lost. Our relationship with God's Spirit works similarly. Regular communication and attentiveness keep us aligned with His pace and purpose.

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Overcoming Spiritual Numbness

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Just as some people struggle to feel the "Christmas spirit" due to past hurts or present challenges, many Christians experience seasons of spiritual numbness. They remember times when God felt close and worship came easily, but now they feel disconnected and unsure how to rekindle that intimacy.

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The good news is that this disconnection is not permanent. God's grace is always available, ready to meet us when we turn back to Him. The key is to actively seek God, even when we don't feel like it. As Jesus promised, "Seek and you will find" (Matthew 7:7).

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Practical Steps to Reconnect:

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1. Acknowledge your current state to God without shame

2. Revisit spiritual practices that once brought you closer to God

3. Surround yourself with encouraging believers

4. Engage with Scripture, even if it feels dry at first

5. Be patient and persistent in your pursuit of God

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Breaking the Pattern

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Often, what keeps us disconnected is simply inertia. We've fallen into patterns that don't prioritize our relationship with God, and breaking free requires intentional action. Just as we break our normal routines to celebrate Christmas, we may need to disrupt our daily patterns to reconnect with God's Spirit.

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This might mean waking up earlier for prayer, fasting from social media to create space for God, or committing to a new Bible reading plan. The specific actions matter less than the heart behind them—a determination to realign our lives with God's presence and purposes.

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A Daily Christmas

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Imagine experiencing the wonder, joy, and anticipation of Christmas every day of the year. That's essentially what walking in step with God's Spirit offers. It's not about manufacturing feelings or forcing spiritual experiences. Rather, it's about cultivating an ongoing awareness of God's presence and allowing that awareness to shape our thoughts, decisions, and actions.

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The incredible truth is that as believers, we have constant access to something far more powerful and transformative than the "Christmas spirit." We have the indwelling presence of the living God, ready to guide, comfort, and empower us daily.

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If you’re feeling lost or numb, it’s time to take a new approach. Start with the same intentionality we bring to celebrating Christmas. Let's create atmospheres, establish patterns, and cultivate mindsets that keep us attuned to God's Spirit year-round.

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Consider these questions:

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1. What "decorations" can you put up in your life to remind you of God's presence?

2. How can you "tune in" to God's voice amidst the noise of daily life?

3. What patterns or habits might be keeping you out of step with the Spirit?

4. How can you cultivate a greater hunger for God's presence?

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Remember, God is not distant or uninterested. He longs for intimate connection with you. He sees the choices before you and, like a loving parent, His heart yearns for you to choose the path of closeness with Him.

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Today, you can decide to set new patterns in motion. You can commit to creating a culture in your home, your friendships, and your own mind that aligns with the Spirit of God. It won't always be easy, and there will be times when you stumble. But God's grace is sufficient, and His love is unfailing.

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As you move forward, may you discover the joy of walking in step with God's Spirit—not just during the Christmas season, but every day of the year. May you experience the wonder of His presence, the power of His love, and the transformative impact of a life lived in close communion with Him.

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Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide for your week:

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Day 1: Walking in Step with the Spirit

Reading: Galatians 5:16-25

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Devotional: Unfortunately, it's all too easy to fall out of step with God's Spirit. Just as we intentionally create an atmosphere for Christmas, we must cultivate an environment that nurtures our spiritual life. Today, reflect on how you can create daily patterns that keep you in tune with God's Spirit. Are there distractions you need to eliminate? Habits you need to form? Remember, walking in the Spirit isn't about perfection, but about consistent, intentional connection with God. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your steps today and help you remain aware of His presence in every moment.

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Day 2: Discerning the Spirits

Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:10-16

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Devotional: In a world full of competing voices and influences, discernment is crucial. Paul reminds us that spiritual truths are spiritually discerned. This means we need God's Spirit to understand God's ways. Today, consider areas in your life where you might be conforming to the world's patterns rather than God's. Are there cultural norms you've accepted without questioning? Ask God for the wisdom to discern His voice amidst the noise. Practice listening in silence, allowing His Spirit to speak to your heart. Remember, true discernment comes from a close relationship with God, not just intellectual knowledge.

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Day 3: Rekindling Your Spiritual Passion

Reading: Revelation 2:1-7

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Devotional: Like the church in Ephesus, we can sometimes lose our "first love" for Christ. The routines of life can dull our spiritual senses, leaving us feeling disconnected from God. Today, reflect on times when your faith felt vibrant and alive. What has changed? Remember, God's love for you hasn't diminished. He's inviting you to return to that place of intimacy. Take practical steps to rekindle your passion - perhaps through worship, serving others, or spending extended time in prayer. Ask God to restore the joy of your salvation and renew a steadfast spirit within you.

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Day 4: Overcoming Spiritual Dryness

Reading: Psalm 63:1-8

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Devotional: Even great men of faith like David experienced spiritual dryness. In those moments, he chose to earnestly seek God. When we feel spiritually numb or disconnected, our natural tendency might be to withdraw further. Instead, follow David's example and press in closer to God. Today, imagine your soul as a dry and weary land without water. What does it need to be refreshed? Make a list of spiritual practices that have helped you feel close to God in the past. Commit to implementing one or two of these today, regardless of how you feel. Remember, God's love and presence are constant, even when our emotions fluctuate.

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Day 5: Living in God's Presence Daily

Reading: Psalm 139:1-18

Devotional: The Psalmist beautifully depicts the all-encompassing nature of God's presence. He is with us always, in every circumstance. Yet, how often do we go through our day unaware of this amazing truth? Today, focus on practicing the presence of God. Set reminders throughout your day to pause and acknowledge God's presence. As you go about your tasks, imagine Jesus walking beside you. How might this change your interactions, decisions, and attitudes? Ask the Holy Spirit to heighten your awareness of God's constant presence and to help you live each moment in light of this reality. Let this truth transform your ordinary day into a sacred journey with your Creator.

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