Keep Christ in Christmas
Next » How to Remember Jesus in the Christmas Season
Each year there's usually some discussion about Christmas and how the religious holiday has become too secular, too centered on shopping, and not about Jesus' birth. While most Christians might agree, it can be hard to figure out what to do about it.How, exactly, do you put Christ back in Christmas? Especially if you're already knee-deep in decorations, cookie-baking, and struggling to put up the Christmas tree. We've come up with 21 simple things you can do--no theology degree required! This is not a mandatory to-do list, but rather a few ideas to remind yourself, your family and your friends about the real reason for the season. There are some surprisingly simple ways to honor the holiness of Jesus' birth.
Observe Advent with Your Family
Advent is the time of reflection and preparation before Christmas. It offers the opportunity to pause and consider the state of our souls, not our shopping lists. You can create an advent wreath for your home, and follow Bible readings for each day of advent. You can also follow an Advent Calendar.
If you can't commit to the daily Advent Bible readings, consider lighting an advent candle each Sunday and reading the appropriate Bible passages. It allows you to create a time for spiritual reflection in your home, not just in church
It sounds simple, but if you make yourself write the word "Christmas," whether you're texting a friend of jotting down your Christmas list, you can use those few extra seconds to think about what the holiday is really about.
Even if you're not a regular church-goer, this is a great time to reconnect with your faith, listen to the sermons and the music and contemplate the true message of Christmas.
We all think we know the Christmas story, but read the different versions in Luke (2:1-20)and Matthew (1:18-25) to consider what the Bible says about Christmas. Read the surrounding verses for an even better understanding, including Luke 1:5-56. You can test your knowledge with our Nativity quiz.
Instead of shiny silver balls and big bows, use manger scenes, angels and other tangible reminders of the religious reason for the holiday. Consider creating a Jesse tree, which tells the story of Jesus' family tree, or a Chrismon tree, which is a Christmas tree decorated only with religious symbols.
Consider using Christmas cards that include Bible verses or Christian artwork to remind yourself, and those who receive the cards, about the birth of Jesus--not the arrival of Santa.
Giving gifts at Christmas can be a beautiful way to remember God's gift of his Son to the world. It's very easy, though, for gift-giving to become an obligation or a competition. Review your list and consider who you most want to give a gift to. You don't have to forget the others on your list, just replace the gift with something that feels appropriate-- a handwritten card, a phone call, or an invitation to spend time together.
"The Christmas Prayer"
By Robert Louis Stevenson
Loving Father,
Help us remember the birth of Jesus,
that we may share in the song of the angels,
the gladness of the shepherds, and worship of the wise men.
Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.
May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake. Amen.
Visit a Sick or Homebound Friend or Relative
Just as God gave the gift of his Son, so, too, your presence can be a true gift to someone who is alone or sick this season. If your loved one is far away, plan a call (put it on your calendar so you don't forget), or put together a care package.
Set Up a Nativity Scene in Your Home
When you're stressed and busy, you can just glance around your home for a reminder of why we celebrate
Forgive Someone
Jesus came to forgive our sins, and we, too, are obligated to forgive. Prayerfully consider who and how to forgive, whether it's a person you need to ask for forgiveness, or a private moment between you and God.
Buy a Gift for a Child
Jesus came into the world as a baby, and there are many children today who may be suffering. Find a local charity that works with children and offer to donate a new, warm coat, or diapers, the kinds of practical gifts children will need.
Attend a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day Service
With family obligations it can be challenging to find time to get to church, but make a church visit a family affair, so that before Christmas dinner, you've had time to worship and reflect.
Follow the Liturgical Calendar
The joy of Christ's birth isn't limited to one day. In fact, Advent marks the start, not the end, of the liturgical year. Christmas leads to Epiphany on January 6th, followed soon after by the days of Lent, and Easter Sunday. After Christmas, consider how you might let the seasons of the liturgical calendar shape your faith journey in the year to come.
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