Seven Ideas for Keeping Christ Central at Christmas
I love the food that we eat at Christmas. I love hanging out with family, playing games and just having good conversation. I enjoy exchanging gifts. Christmas lights bring a smile to my face.
Yet, I find that these Christmas trappings can sometimes distract me from the most important part of Christmas. Jesus, God’s Son and the One who would become the Savior of the world, was born in a stable in Bethlehem. Jesus Christ is the reason for celebrating Christmas.
Here are seven ideas for keeping Christ central during the Christmas season:
1. Read one of the Gospels or a Christmas Devotional
I am currently reading the Gospel of Luke as I go through the Christmas season. Some years, I have read a Christmas devotional. Focusing on Christ during my devotional times in December helps me to prepare my heart and mind for the celebration of Jesus’ birth.
2. Celebrate Advent in Your Home
Early on in our marriage, one of our family members made us an advent wreath. Each year, we anticipate celebrating Jesus’ birth by lighting the advent candles on the four Sunday evenings before Christmas and on Christmas Eve. Our kids love this time of singing Christmas carols and putting our focus back on Christ.
3. Join the Advent Conspiracy
A couple years ago, our church encouraged people to join the advent conspiracy. The four tenets of the conspiracy are to worship fully, spend less, give more, and love all. As a family, we decided to be more generous with those in need and to give less to those who already have so much (like us). We send out Christmas shoeboxes through Samaritan’s Purse and purchase animals, water filters, mosquito nets, and other items that help people who are struggling. We also look for people and causes closer to home that we can support a bit more at Christmas.
4. Recognize the Spiritual Significance of some Christmas Trappings