Thanksgiving and Black Friday are behind us, and we are heading full steam into the Christmas season. I’m sure your lists are long, and there are a ton of things you think you need to do, but what if you chose to trim your lists so you could embrace the season joyfully, instead of tired and grudgingly?
We put so much pressure on ourselves and our families to decorate, cook, bake, give, do and try to outdo the previous year. Why do we do this to ourselves? The truth is there is a little bit of the world in all of us. We are told that Christmas is a magical time. However, there is no magician’s wand that makes everything happen. We become deluded and miss the real meaning of Christmas if we allow ourselves to fall into the trap of making Christmas perfect in the material sense.
The world no longer wants us to sing the Christmas Carols of the past such as “Silent Night” or “Joy to the World” because their message proclaims the birth of Jesus Christ. Cities and towns no longer allow nativity scenes on public grounds because of the fear of lawsuits or offending someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus. I don’t believe in Santa, yet you see Santa on public grounds, in parades, and at the mall. I’m not a Scrooge by any means, but every year it becomes more obvious the world wants less and less of the true meaning of Christmas, which is to celebrate the birth of our Christ, our Messiah.
Christmas has become so commercialized in making children and adults believe if they don’t receive the latest toy or gadget their lives will never be the same. The cost of Christmas reaches far deeper than in your pockets. The cost of the world’s Christmas is discontentment. The pressure of the world’s Christmas can cripple you physically, emotionally, financially and spiritually. What started out being the most magnificent night has become a nightmare for many. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. None of us have to shackle ourselves to the world’s version of a perfect Christmas.
Christmas is a celebration of the gift of a baby born to a virgin mother, a baby who would bring everlasting life to all. Jesus is God’s redeeming love that reached down from heaven to our hearts. His birth was a prophecy fulfilled, and the promise of love, hope, and redemption for eternity. Jesus is the true meaning of Christmas.
To keep the message of Christ at the center of Christmas, we have to be proactive in guarding our hearts against the world’s version of Christmas of “Buy More, Get More!” Here are some ways we can keep the message of Christ at the center of Christmas.
Get Out the Calendar: Decide what you can do and what you can’t do to keep the focus on Christmas more meaningful for you and your family. During the holidays there are lots of extras you can do but decide ahead of time which opportunities you’d like to take advantage of and put them on your calendar. It doesn’t mean there isn’t room for change, but being aware of upcoming events helps to minimize the chaos. It is okay to say “No” to an invitation. Sometimes “No” needs to be said for the sanity of everyone.
Start with Advent: Advent is preparing your heart for the celebration of Christmas. Set aside time each night to delve into God’s word. There are many free Advent devotionals you can find online for individuals or families and in the Bible app called YouVersion. Take time to prepare your heart for the birth of Messiah.
Memorize the Christmas Story from Luke 2:1-11: My daughter was four years old when she memorized this whole scripture. It is something she still remembers today. When you hide the word in your heart, the message becomes more significant. It is fun to see how much you can remember. The kids will love the challenge especially if there is a reward to earn.
Volunteer: Choose a place where you or your family and friends can volunteer to make a difference in other people’s lives, as Christ has made a difference in your life. It is a great way to expose your children to the beauty of serving and giving back to others. Christmas is about giving and demonstrating the love of Christ. When we become a reflection of God’s love, it ignites like a wildfire to all those around us.
Give Gifts with Purpose: Many organizations sell things which give back to others in need. For example, Global Girlfriends allows you buy products at a fair trade price to support woman artisans, and they also have a “Gifts That Give More” program where 100% of the price of your purchase goes directly to charity. Samaritan’s Purse, IJM, and World Vision have similar programs or choose a charity that has made an impact for you. Make a conscious decision to give gifts that also give back to others.
Invite a Friend or Family to Attend a Christmas Service: Statistics show asking someone to attend a church service at Christmas gives the highest probability of the entire year that the person will say “Yes!” In this recent article http://www.churchmarketingsucks.com/2014/12/christmas-church-attendance-rocks/ there are some interesting facts to consider, but what better gift to give anyone than the gift of Christ for Christmas.
We all love to give and receive gifts, but should that make Christmas more meaningful than the celebration of Jesus’ birth? I’m not saying we shouldn’t give gifts to one another, because I love to give and receive gifts, but don’t let gift giving become a distraction from celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.
How do you keep a Christ-Centered Christmas in your heart and home? I would love to hear your ideas!
The Christmas season is a time of remembrance and reflection on the perfect gift given to us over two thousand years ago. Don’t let the world sell out the real meaning of Christmas, but show the world the priceless gift that is still as precious as ever by keeping the true message of Christmas within your heart.
I love when you said, “Sometimes “No” needs to be said for the sanity of everyone.” This is SO true. Your post is incredibly timely. I was just thinking today that this Christmas seems like it is over before it has even really begun. This was exactly what I needed to set my priorities straight and plan how we can best celebrate the true meaning of Christmas without catering to popular culture. Thank you!
Hi, Merry!
I have to admit I am speaking from experience here. I have learned that saying “No” has given me the ability to be a better person 🙂 I’m glad this was a timely post for you! Just take time to breathe and stay focused on the meaning. It will fill you with joy! Blessings to you!
This is so great! And you’re exactly right, the world has turned this season into a season of discontentment. You hit the nail on the head with that one! It’s so sad that the very day after Thanksgiving, a time when we’re supposed to be thankful for what we have, we are told to go and buy a ton of stuff.
Hi Leah!
It is sad what should be a joyous time is many times filled with stress beyond measure. However, it is a choice we have to make to stay above the drama of the world. I’m glad you enjoyed the post and spoke to your heart. Blessings!
Great tips for keeping the focus where it should be!
Hi, Kristi!
Thanks for your encouragement and I hope they do help you to keep your focus. Blessings!
‘Tis the reason for the season. These are wonderful tips for celebrating Christmas with loved ones.
Hi, Mila! You are right about that! Thank You for reading my post and may the Lord bless you during this season!
Your post is so helpful! Lets keep our focus where it belongs. And not let ourselves get so busy with “things” we miss CHRISTMAS!
Hi, Aryn!
I know for myself when I lose my focus it sucks the joy of out the celebration. This is why I believe it is so important to remind one another. Blessings to you!
These are some great tips that each family should find what works best for them.
Hi, Danielle,
I agree that every family needs to find what works best for them to help keep the real meaning of Christmas as the center of their family. Blessings to you!
Worship covers it all… love these tips… Enjoy your Christmas preparations.
Hi, Ann!
Yes, when we worship the King it keeps us in a state of rememberance of what is Holy and pure….Jesus!
The commercial side of Christmas always seems so empty and cheesy to me. Tinsel is just not my thing. But worship is my favorite part.
Hi, Alice!
I agree! This is why it is important to keep our focus on Jesus especially during this season because the enemy would love nothing more than to be a distraction to God’s glory. Blessings!
I feel like as the years go by Christmas becomes more and more about the gifts for kids. Great tips.
Hi, Magen!
I love to give kids gifts too, but I think it is equally important for them to understand the real meaning of Christmas and the most important gift which is Jesus.
Hi Sheila! It’s been a long time since I’ve visited. “I don’t believe in Santa, yet you see Santa on public grounds, in parades, and at the mall” – this gave me a giggle. Can you imagine a Christian fighting to have Santa removed? My son is in his last year of 4-H, each Christmas the kids gather items to create little care packages for the senior citizens in our county. I’ve enjoyed helping him with this over the years, making sure the shut-ins have a special day.
Hi, Lori!
I’m so glad you are back to visit! Oh my heavens, Could you imagine if we tried to ban Santa? I love the idea of care packages for the Seniors. What a beautiful gift of demonstrating love to those who are so vulnerable. It is very inspirational! Blessings to you and your family!
Our eldest and her husband celebrate the season with an Advent wreath and candles. We have been there during theBible reading and candle lighting. It is lovely and teaches our grands the true beauty of Christ who is God’s greatestgift to us.
Great read my sister. Love you.
Hi, Sue!
I love Advent. I didn’t grow up even knowing what Advent was, but I do now and I appreciate how it keeps you focused on the birth of our Messiah and King! What a great tradition and learning experience for everyone no matter their age. I love you too sister! So thankful for all God has done in healing you!
I love the idea of memorizing the Christmas story! And I agree, it’s a good idea to trim back on things so that you can enjoy the holiday and the season leading up to it instead of rushing around. This year I decided not to send any Christmas cards because I just didn’t want to deal with it, and I feel good about eliminating it and having a little extra time.
Hi, Jordan!
I love that you decided not to send Christmas cards! It is good to know what you can and can’t do. Sometimes you just have to keep the important things important. Let me know how memorizing the Christmas story goes!
We’ve done a Jesse Tree previous years, where we hang an ornament about the life of Christ each day. This year we are singing carols at a retirement home. We always go to a candlelight service to focus our hearts on Christ.
Hi, Susan!
I have never heard of a Jesse Tree, but it sound interesting. I am sure all those at the retirement home will be blessed by your singing. I love candlelight services. We have attended a little church built in the 1800’s during the week of Christmas Eve that doesn’t have electric and uses the pulley candles. Worship is stripped back to its original state and it is so beautiful! It really does make you focus on the true meaning of Christmas.
These are such wonderful ideas! “Volunteer” is my favorite! I think that by being God’s hands and feet, that we can truly understand the meaning of Christmas and shining our lights.
Hi, Keisha!
I love to volunteer any time of year, but especially at Christmas. What an expression of love to be His hands and feet to those who need the hope, love, and grace of Christ! Many Blessings!
So true that Christ’s birth gets shoved aside too often during Advent. Love that idea of memorizing the Christmas story. Thanks for being such a Glitter sower for our Savior.
Hi, Doramae!
Thank You for your encouraging words! Yes, I do love glitter, but I love Jesus more 🙂 Alicia still recites the scripture every Christmas Eve. It hard to believe that has been 27 years ago. Are babies do grow up! Many Blessings to you and your beautiful family. Give Al a hug for me!
Great tips, Sheila. I think each family has to find what works best for them.
Hi, Heather!
I agree that every family needs to find what works for them too. My heart is to encourage families not to leave Christ out of Christmas because they think they are too busy. I’m praying for you and your husband. I hope you are both feeling better. Love and prayers!
It is crazy to see how much we stress over the gifts and the parties and the whole production of Christmas, but we forget our families and the true reason for the celebration. This is a great reminder, and very practical!
Hi, Hannah!
I wish I could say I have never been caught up in all the hoopla, but I have and I know what it is like to feel so miserable and tired because Christ wasn’t in it. We all learn that without Christ there would be no Christmas. The enemy loves to distract us from God’s message of redemption when He sent His son to be born.
“Memorize the Christmas Story from Luke 2:1-11” This is incredible! I have never thought of memorizing this passage. Now, I will do it with my kids! We will learn together! Great idea! I also love giving gifts with purpose! This is our motto this Christmas! Every Christmas Eve, we invite our neighbors to service with us! Sometimes they come, sometimes they don’t! It’s a great way to refocus on what the Season really means! Amazing advice! Thank you!
Hi, Katie!
I am so excited you are going to memorize this passage of scripture with your children. You will not regret it! They won’t forget it either! Let me know how it goes and video it and challenge another family! #TheRealChristmasStory
These are such great practical tips for keeping Jesus at the forefront of Christmas! I love the idea of memorizing the Christmas story from Luke! Thank you for sharing!
Hi, Melissa!
I hope you take up the challenge and memorize the scripture and then challenge someone you know #TheRealChristmasStory. Can you imagine if that filled our facebook feeds? How awesome would that be? God Bless You and enjoy the season to God’s fullest!