The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

Christmas and New Years are busy times with hectic schedules and last minute shopping. Some wonder, with all that is going on surrounding the season, how can one stay focused and keep the faith?

Tribune Religion posed the question to a number of Bahamians, “ How can Christians remain focused on God this season, without getting side-tracked on the pressures of the parties, spending and overall materialism?”

Sharing her views, Cindy Bethel, a Methodist church member said it is good to schedule and consider church time, just as often as you would do shopping.

“Make sure you attend at least one church service where you focus entirely on the reason for the season and not on what you have to do. Also, take time to give back; either buy something for the less fortunate or volunteer,” said Ms Bethel.

Wilfred, a Catholic, encouraged Bahamians to stay focused by fellow shipping with God and putting him first in everything they choose to do this season. He said it is best to let God lead the way.

For Father Chester Burton, Rector of St Peter’s Anglican Church in Long Island, said one of the primary things to do during this season is to go to church often and keep the advent holy.

“Life is so short and people are dying young and old, so we also want to do things that keep God close to us. We have to do things like read our bible this season,” said Father Burton.

He said people have to simplify the whole concept of going out and shopping. Father Burton explained that Bahamians become so focused on shopping, and not really the real meaning of the season, which is focusing on God, advent and the church,” said Father Burton.

“When we talk about advent, we talk about being ready for the coming of Jesus. And this comes with praying and listening to his word,” he said.

According to Cross Walk.com, a Christian living resources website, the reality for many people is that they become emotionally stressed out, financially maxed out and physically burned out trying to keep it all together during this time of the year.

“Day after day, we become burned out and stressed out and now, our faith becomes affected as we start questioning God. Are you hearing me? Why won’t you help me? Like Eve in the garden, we question God’s goodness and his basic command. To stay spiritually-minded during the holidays, we need to keep our eyes focused on the lord and include him in our thoughts. Instead of talking to ourselves, we need to start talking to him and then give him the time to talk back. The enemy will use every scheme he can against us to distract us from maintaining a walk with the lord,” the website stated.

Jamika Fox, an Anglican Church member, said Jesus is of course who people should be focused on not only around this time but everyday.

“Learning how to make God the focus of our day; giving him praise, thanking him, walking in his love and expressing that love to other people is how we keep him at the centre of his season and at the centre of our lives. Reflecting on the sacrifice God made when he sent Christ to the world is one of the most benefiting things anyone can do, because it puts this entire season and our entire life in perspective,” said Ms Fox.