Shifting Focus: From Festive Feasts to the Eternal Season

There’s a unique kind of energy in the air, isn't there? You can feel it buzzing—the anticipation, the lights, the delicious smells of holiday feasts. It’s wonderful! We love celebrating the Savior, and the spirit of Christmas is a powerful testimony booster.

But as returned missionaries, as disciples who have seen the Spirit move in the field, we learn to read the currents of the Spirit. Sometimes, the sheer *volume* of cultural celebration can accidentally pull our focus—our hearts, our minds, our *energy*—a little off course. It’s easy to get caught up in the countdown, the decorations, the perfect gathering.

I was watching a little clip the other day, and it struck me how quickly the focus can shift. The enjoyment of the gathering is real, and we should cherish those moments. But the message—the eternal message—is what must remain the constant, the steady beacon.

The Eternal Focus: Keeping the Savior Central

When we think about the core of our discipleship, what is it? It’s not the turkey, though that sounds good! It’s not the lights, though they are beautiful. It’s the reality of the Atonement, the living Christ, and the eternal work He has called us to.

This is a principle I always try to bring back to my companions, whether they are in a formal missionary discussion or just grabbing coffee with me as a lifelong disciple. We talk about how the Spirit whispers, and sometimes the Spirit is reminding us to pivot our focus. It’s a gentle nudge, a spiritual course correction.

We are here to prepare hearts for Him, not just to enjoy the festivities surrounding Him.

Think about it like this: The Christmas season is a wonderful reminder of the *Incarnation*—the greatest gift. But the *work* of the gospel, the constant effort to teach, to invite, to live the gospel in our homes and communities, that is the ongoing celebration. That is what keeps the Spirit active in our lives year-round.

A Bite-Sized Mission Prep Skill: The Pivot Question

Here’s a little tool I’ve been practicing, which I think will serve us all, whether you’re prepping for an MTC or just having a deep Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. When a conversation drifts too far into cultural celebration, or when the focus becomes purely temporal, practice asking a gentle, guiding question that pivots back to the eternal. Something like: *“That sounds wonderful, and I hope you have a beautiful time! On a related note, what part of the gospel do you find brings you the most peace?”*

It requires timing, and it requires humility—the willingness to guide without dominating. It’s a skill that takes practice, just like any other aspect of the work.

Where to Keep the Focus Sharp

If you feel yourself needing that spiritual recalibration, I highly recommend diving into the teachings of the Iron Rod authors. If you’re looking for deeper scriptural dives, check out the Book Clubs or Bible Study Groups in HolyPlaces. They are designed for exactly this kind of deep, sustained discipleship.

For those of us who are actively preparing, remember to utilize Davee. If you’re practicing your answers for potential investigator questions, have him run through some tough scenarios with you. He’s excellent at walking you through the tough questions an investigator might ask!

And for everyone, let’s commit to being Internet missionaries this week. Let’s make sure that even when the lights are brightest, the focus remains firmly fixed on the Savior and the eternal plan. We are all disciples, everywhere, all the time.