The 5 Biggest Christmas Distractions That Pull Our Hearts Away from Christ

Christmas is one of the most meaningful seasons of the year for believers. We celebrate the miraculous truth that God stepped into our world, took on flesh, and came to save us. Yet ironically, the very season meant to draw us closer to Christ can also become one of the most distracting.

The problem is not that Christmas is filled with activity—it’s that our attention is often divided. Good things, when left unchecked, can quietly crowd out the best thing. Here are five of the most common Christmas distractions that can pull our hearts away from Christ—and gentle reminders to help us refocus.

1. Busyness That Crowds Out Stillness

December fills quickly with packed calendars—shopping, school events, church programs, family gatherings, travel, and year-end responsibilities. While many of these things are good and meaningful, they often leave little room for quiet reflection.

When life moves too fast, our spiritual attentiveness suffers. We can celebrate Christmas outwardly while neglecting Christ inwardly.

Scripture reminds us:

“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

Sometimes the most Christ-centered thing we can do at Christmas is slow down.

Four Reasons Every Pastor Should Send a Christmas Letter to the Church Family

Christmas is one of the most meaningful and ministry-rich seasons of the year. The sights, sounds, and celebrations remind us once again of the miracle of Christ’s birth and the hope He brings into a weary world. With so much activity happening inside and outside the church, it can be easy for the heart of Christmas to get lost in the shuffle. That’s why a personal Christmas letter from the pastor to the church family can make such a powerful impact.

Here are four compelling reasons every pastor should consider sending a Christmas letter this season:

1. A Christmas Letter Re-Centers the Church on Christ

The culture around us often emphasizes the commercial side of Christmas, but the pastor has the sacred privilege of guiding hearts back to the true meaning of the season. A thoughtful Christmas letter serves as a gentle pastoral reminder that “unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given.”
Through Scripture, reflection, and spiritual encouragement, the pastor helps the congregation lift their eyes above the busyness and fix them on the Savior.

2. It Strengthens the Sense of Church Family and Connection

Christmas is a season of gathering, gratitude, and relationships. A letter written in the shepherd’s voice helps people feel remembered, valued, and loved.
For some, this season may be joyful; for others, it may feel heavy or lonely. A personal Christmas letter bridges the distance and reminds each person—new members, long-time saints, and even infrequent attenders—that they belong to a spiritual family that cares for them.

5 Things a Christian Can Be Thankful For

5 Things a Christian Can Be Thankful For During the Thanksgiving Season

As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us begin to reflect on the blessings God has poured into our lives. Whether this year has been filled with joy, difficulty, or a mixture of both, Scripture reminds us that “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Gratitude is not a once-a-year activity—it’s a posture of the heart rooted in who God is and what He has done.

Here are five powerful things every Christian can be thankful for during the Thanksgiving season.

1. The Unchanging Character of God

In a world that seems to shift daily, Christians can be deeply thankful that God does not change.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
His character remains constant—His love steadfast, His mercy new each morning, and His faithfulness unfailing.

No matter what comes our way, we have a God whose nature is trustworthy. This truth gives us confidence, peace, and hope even in uncertain seasons.

5 Meaningful Ways to Honor Veterans in Church

As followers of Christ, we are called to give “honor to whom honor is due” (Romans 13:7). Veterans have given of themselves in service to our nation—many at great personal cost. The church has a wonderful opportunity to recognize their sacrifice and to remind them that their service reflects the heart of Christ, who said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13).

Here are five meaningful ways your church can honor veterans this year.

1. Recognize Veterans Publicly During Worship

Take a few moments during your worship service to recognize all veterans in attendance. Invite them to stand and be acknowledged as the congregation expresses appreciation through applause or a special prayer of blessing. Consider playing a short video tribute or displaying photos of members who served. This visible act of honor reminds everyone of the value of sacrificial service.

2. Pray for Veterans and Their Families

A heartfelt prayer can be one of the most powerful ways to honor veterans. Pray for their physical and emotional healing, for peace in their hearts, and for their families who often bear unseen burdens. Include prayers for those currently serving and for those who carry scars—both visible and invisible—from their service. Prayer not only honors veterans but also invites God’s comfort and restoration into their lives.

10 Comical Reasons People Fall Asleep During Sermons

A Little Humor for the Hard-Working Pastor (with a sense of humor)

Every pastor knows the feeling — you’re delivering a heartfelt sermon, pouring out truth with passion, and there it is… someone in the third pew starts doing the slow nod. Their eyes close, their head tilts, and you just know they’re about to drift into what can only be described as “holy slumber.”

Before you take it personally, take comfort: even the Apostle Paul had one listener fall asleep — and that poor guy tumbled out of a window! (Acts 20:9). So, if it happened to Paul, it can happen to us.

To brighten your day and remind you that you’re not alone in this pulpit phenomenon, here are ten lighthearted reasons people might fall asleep during a sermon.

1. The Pew Cushion Conspiracy

Those pew cushions are far softer than they look. It’s like someone swapped them for memory foam the night before your message.

2. The “Holy Slumber” Anointing

They’re not asleep — they’re resting in the Spirit… with a gentle snore of agreement to your last point.