By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Remember to stay focused on Jesus
Pastor's corner
Pastor-T.-Johnson
Pastor Tom Johnson III

It is very easy during this time of the year to lose focus on what is important. With the pressure of society, family and friends, sometimes we find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of wants, requests and desires that blur the vision that was so clearly mapped out for us just a few months earlier.
If we allow ourselves to be manipulated by outside forces, we will find ourselves burdened and worn. Our adversary desires to take this time of celebration and twist it into something that is tainted, distorted and contaminated.
It is my prayer that we “remember.” We must remember and reflect on what our Father has done for us and the gift He has given. In the word of God, Jesus was laid in a manger by his mother, Mary, because there was no room in the inn. We must ask ourselves, “Do we have room for Jesus in the inn?”
I believe that sometimes we have so much going on, it eventually consumes who we are and everything that we do. In the natural understanding of this story, the part that can be applied to our lives is this: In order to have room in the inn for Jesus, things that are not important must be removed from the inn first. It may be better said that for us to have room in our hearts and in our lives for Jesus, there are some things that need to be removed.
Anything that hinders or stands in the way of your relationship with our Lord has to be removed. He is the gift that has to be the main focus all year long. Remember what He means to you, remember what He has done for you and remember how He loves you.
While I am sure we will be giving many gifts to our families and friends, let us be sure that it is all done in love and that we give love one to another. If we miss this, we have lost focus and removed the power from the celebration. The material gift will pass away, but the love of Christ will last an eternity.

Johnson is the pastor of Mount Zion Memorial Chapel and a member of the United Ministerial Alliance.

Sign up for our e-newsletters