Time flies! That old adage is certainly true when it comes to celebrating Christmas. It seems like yesterday that I was surprised at how soon Christmas decorations and advertisements were appearing in stores and on TV. They were everywhere. Not even waiting for Thanksgiving to have its piece of the calendar. Now we’re looking back at the holiday gatherings with friends and family. The hours of shopping for gifts, and then exchanging them, have come and gone and we’re into the beginning of a new year.

Looking back, there is no doubt that, if we weren’t careful, the true meaning of Christmas could have been easily pushed aside by commercialism, busyness, and stress. At the same time, it’s a joy for me to know that the celebration of Christmas brings an openness to Jesus that is unparalleled. We heard the name of Christ proclaimed everywhere, albeit unintentional at times. Afterall, there He is in the middle of the word itself: Christmas. An amazing thought that every time we say the word “Christmas” we are proclaiming Jesus. Even songs like “Jingle Bells” and “Frosty the Snowman”, without a mention of, or even a reference to Jesus are referred to as “Christmas” songs. Christ proclaimed! But, what now? Do we merely watch as Christmas fades out of sight from our rearview mirrors? Are we to just pack up our decorations and begin to count the days until next Christmas? No! NO! A resounding NO!

Let’s start by understanding that the specific day that we celebrate Christmas, and the accompanying season, is intended to focus our attention on the Christ. The Savior of the world. We can even acknowledge that December 25^th isn’t the actual day that Jesus was born without much concern, since the date which we acknowledge our Savior is really far less important than the acknowledgement itself. Isn’t it? Still, the celebration, the season of focus, isn’t an end in itself.

So, as we look into the rearview mirror and see Christmas fading, let’s commit to a new year that includes honoring our Savior with our lives each day. Maybe, that’s something new for you or maybe it’s not. Either way, which of us couldn’t stand to step it up a bit when it comes to our spiritual life?

Where does this honoring of God begin? I’d consider Jesus’ statement regarding the most important law as a good starting point. We’ve heard it before, haven’t we? “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind’” (Mt 22:37). You might note that Jesus’ response was to, what the Pharisees thought at least, a tough question!

Wouldn’t you know it, Jesus, being God and all, is smarter than the Sadducees and Pharisees. And, He is smarter than we are too. So, when Jesus says, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind’” is an important commandment, we probably should take notice. And not just important, but Jesus says, it is the “first and greatest command” (Mt 22:38). Even before “’Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Mt 22:39).

Yes, it is as it appears, loving God as the “greatest command” minimizes the command to “love your neighbor.” Don’t misunderstand! It is not that loving our neighbor becomes unimportant. In fact, loving others, in whatever form it takes, is often the expression of our love for God. Again, Jesus is smart enough to put the two together. The point is that loving our neighbor, or pretty much anything that God asks us to do, follows after and from our love and devotion to God. Loving our neighbor is an expression of our love for God not a substitute.

Ok, “I got it”, you say, “love God in the New Year, I’m good to go.” Hold on my friend. Let’s take a look at what we’re saying here (more accurately what Jesus is saying). The command is to love God “with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” The heart and soul and mind probably describe the centers of emotion, action, and thought. That means everything about us is fully and completely dedicated to God. That’s how we are supposed to love Him!

Are you up to the task? The task of fully loving God. I’m not sure that I am. In fact, I’m sure that I’m not. Not without help. So, here’s my prayer, “Lord God, help me to love you more this year. Help me to love you with everything that I am. Only you can give me the ability to love you with every action, thought and emotion. When I fall short, forgive me God. Help me back up and keep me loving you more.”

If that prayer resonates with you, make it your own. I’d suggest that it is a good prayer for every day. Just substitute “year” for “day.” I certainly need it. Each day we’ll move toward loving God more and fulfilling the Greatest Commandment.

Dave Foucar has a passion for teaching God’s word. His first book, “What Do I Say When Asked About Jesus?” is a conversational approach to helping people answer questions about Jesus. The book provides a layman’s perspective on personal evangelism and the basics of the Christian faith. Dave has been married for thirty-six years to the love of his life, Debbie. They have three daughters, two sons-in-law, and two granddaughters. To read more of David’s writing visit his Substack page.

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