Seize the Moment
Seizing the Moment This Christmas Season
From a message at Summerbrook Church
Ginny and I have a pet—a golden retriever. His name is Henry, and he’s a cool dog. One time years ago, we learned our lesson. We had company over, friends of ours, and we were eating pizza together. As the lady picked up a slice of pizza and was going to eat it, Henry darted at it and in one bite ate the whole thing.
Ginny and I were horrified. Fortunately, she started laughing, so we knew we were okay. But from that point on, when we have company over, we put Henry in one of the back bedrooms, the laundry room, the garage, or the backyard. It protects everyone’s food.
One time, after a big gathering, we let Henry back in the house. He ran through every room, tail wagging, excited to find people… but there were none left. He was so disappointed. Henry missed the moment—and we contributed to him missing it.
There’s been a verse on my heart as I was SOAP journaling through the harmony of Christmas in the Gospels. Mary, giving praise to God in what’s called the Magnificat, says something that grabbed a hold of me.
Luke 1:50 (ESV):
And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.
This is our generation. Our moment. Our time—not another one. Our moment to impact the next generation, to glorify our heavenly Father.
So today, I want to look at four areas where we can make sure we do not miss our moment.
1. Realize That God Is With You
Luke 1:28 (ESV):
O favored one, the Lord is with you.
This truth has impacted me so much: The God of all creation lives within me as I place my faith and trust in Jesus.
This grounds me when I’m afraid or distracted. It reminds me that:
- I’m not drifting
- I have divine purpose
- God has placed me in this moment, this generation
If you want to seize the moment, you must live with the realization: God is with you.
2. Remember That Nothing Is Impossible With God
Luke 1:36–37 (ESV):
This is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.
Whatever you face—marriage struggles, work decisions, relational breakdowns—nothing is impossible with God.
Even something as simple as switching to new technology (which frustrates me!) can be an opportunity to remember: God lives within you. You’ll make it through this.
“Nothing is impossible with God.”
3. Live Humble and Live Hungry
After Mary visited Elizabeth, she broke into her song of praise:
Luke 1:52–53 (ESV):
He has brought down the mighty… exalted those of humble estate. He has filled the hungry with good things…
Live humble.
Recognize our need for God. Pride causes people to fall, but “the man or woman on their face before God cannot fall far from that position.”
Live hungry.
Hunger and thirst for God’s presence. Desire Him more than anything.
Worship each Sunday reminds us of this—gathering together to meet with God, humble and hungry.
4. Share Joy With One Another
Luke 1:56–58 (ESV):
Her neighbors and relatives… shared her joy.
If we’re going to seize our moment, we need to be people filled with contagious joy—sharing joy with each other.
As we baptize people today, we celebrate. We shout. We cheer. We experience joy together as the family of God.
Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV):
The joy of the Lord is your strength.
And we are called to bring good news:
Romans 10:15 (ESV):
How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.
So let’s invite others to Christmas services. Let’s share God’s joy. Let’s bring good news.
Prayer of Response
Pray out loud with me:
Lord Jesus,
I confess with my mouth that You’re Lord.
Come into my life.
Make me the person You want me to be.
God, I love You. Thanks for loving me.
I commit my life to You, Jesus.
Help me to seize the moment You have us in.
We give You praise and glory and honor.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
DSB,
Pastor Joey