We know how God approached mankind: the surprising incarnation as a baby at Christmas.But how ought we to approach Him? Here is a wide range of 14 ways we often try, along with abenefit for each:

Love the right things and you will find your way home to GodThink the right things and you will know the sovereign GodBelieve the right thingsand you will live at peaceObey, obey, obey and you will not go to hellWithdraw from the world and you will know God bestKeep these sacraments and you will be part of the kingdom of GodFeel the right things and you will be blessed in your spiritFollow these steps and you will prosperServe the Lord your God by serving people and you will honor GodOnce you have suffered enough you will know GodMeditation is the path to knowing GodGo with the culture and God will go with youThere is no God, but there ought to be one, so I’ll “believe”We are all God’s children so let’s be nice to everyone

My wife and I grew up with three (4, 6, 14). I was trained in one (2). But I now prefer “Love the right things” (1), es from Augustine, and “Serve the Lord your God” (9), which might also be called the “Love your neighbor as yourself” approach to the Christian life.

As we reflect on God’s amazing gift of his son — how he approached us — we have a wonderful opportunity to consider the shape of our response.I’ve got a long way to go, and I’m sure you can think of others. In what other ways might we approach God?

God bless you this Christmas.