My Grown-Up Christmas List For Jesus

Have you ever made a grown-up Christmas list? One of those wish-lists since you started adulting of what you really need in life—what matters most.

What if we made a grown-up Christmas list for Jesus?

A list to reflect on our Christian life and make an intentional plan of action to grow spiritually.

Even the Bible says, “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18a (ESV)

And what better way to go into the season than to focus on the Christ of CHRISTmas.

So I decided to make a grown-up Christmas list for the Lord with three main areas.

What if we made a grown-up Christmas list for Jesus? A list to reflect on our Christian life and make an intentional plan of action to grow spiritually. Share on X

(1.) Desire the mind of Christ: Christmas List.

But how do we go about seeking the mind of Christ? The Bible tells us: set our minds on things above (Colossians 3:2); do not transform to the world, but transform by the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2); and to take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).

More biblical wisdom gives us further insight:

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8 (ESV)

What we think about and set our minds on, is of utmost importance. If affects every aspect of our life. Do we desire to have the mind of Christ?

These scriptures give us intentional steps to a grown-up mindset. 

“‘For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?’ But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:16 (ESV)

(2.) Love God with all.

When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37 (ESV)

So it’s about loving the Lord with all of our heart—all of who we are. Loving Jesus above all else isn’t radical Christianity or even Jesus freaks. Instead, it’s the heart of a true disciple. 

And more biblical insight tells us: the Lord looks at the heart, not outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7); we ask for a clean/pure heart (Psalm 51:10); storing God’s Word in our heart to keep from sin (Psalm 119:11); and guard our heart above all else (Proverbs 4:23).

Loving Jesus above all else isn’t radical Christianity or even Jesus freaks. Instead, it’s the heart of a true disciple.  Share on X

(3.) Walk with God in obedience: Christmas List.

“You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him.” Deuteronomy 13:4 (ESV)

Children often have selective obedience, obeying one time and not another. As God’s child, we determine to walk in full obedience to God’s commandments.

“But this command I gave them: ‘Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.’” Jeremiah 7:23 (ESV)

• Obedience leads to the abundant spiritual life the Lord intended for His children.
• Obedience was crucial for God’s people to inhabit the Promised Land, and it’s crucial for us to inhabit God’s promised life.
• Obeying helps us thrive on the Christian journey, not just survive.
• Obedience unlocks God’s power in our life.
• Obeying is always for our good and God’s glory.

Do we walk with God in obedience to His commands, plans, and ways?

Do we walk with God in obedience to His commands, plans, and ways? Share on X

My grown-up Christmas list:

Desire the mind of Christ, love God with all, and walk with God in obedience.

Featured images courtesy of Friday’s Forever on YouTube.

Last blog post, Goodness and Mercy Follow Me.

Update on my 6 year old granddaughter’s surgery last week:

The growth in her inner ear was large which made the surgery long. She has severe hearing loss in that ear and will continue recovering over the coming weeks.

Thanks for your prayers.

Sometimes I participate in these link-ups: Let’s Have Coffee/Embracing the Unexpected (Grace & Truth).

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