Dead and Raised With Christ

In this busy season of the year, it's easy to get caught up in all the things around us. There are things we want to buy for family and friends and of course, there are things we hope to get as presents under the tree. Is it bad to get excited about gifts and giving?
It is most important that we remember the place of things in our lives as Christians. These things are temporary and far behind in importance when compared to the eternal riches we have in Christ.
Colossians 3:1-2 puts some of these things in focus for us. "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." In this passage, Paul tells the believers at Colossae that they have died and been raised up with Christ (2:11-12).
Because of our identification with Jesus Christ in his death and resurrection, we are dead to this world. The world's materialism and fascination with things should have no allure to Christians. They are dead to all of this. They have died with Christ to this world.
Along with Christ, they have risen with him to a new life: a life of spiritual reality. Their thinking is taken up with thoughts of spiritual reality, not just physical and material things. Their desires and affections are consumed with thoughts of Christ and his glory. They desire the rewards that he will give them when he comes, rather than the things this world has to offer.
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem this year, let's remember the death of Jesus Christ as well. Because he died, the world's things have no hold over us. We are to live in light of spiritual reality. Our focus as Christians during this time of year should be on thanking God for the incarnation of his Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Savior.