We know that Jesus is the reason for the season. But how much of our season actually is centered around celebrating Christ?
It’s so easy in the rush of responsibilities to see December as more of a to-do list than as a month of special opportunity to lift up Christ.
How can you make this unique month more Christ-centered?
1. Trust Him
If there is one thing the human element of the Christmas story teaches us, it is to trust and submit to God’s sovereign plan. In the fullness of time, He works. Few things honor God more than our trust. Let the Christmas story reset your faith.
For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.—Luke 1:37–38
2. Show Love in His Name
Visit a hospital. Go Christmas caroling with your family. Minister to the homeless. Find a way to reach past the usual busyness and burdens of your life to touch someone else with the love of God.
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.—Matthew 25:40
3. Teach Your Children the Christmas Story
Why wait until December 25th to read the Christmas story as a family? Take some time in family devotions in the days leading up to Christmas to teach your children about the events leading up to the coming of Christ. This will help center their hearts on the reason for the season as well!
It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.—Luke 1:3–4
4. Give to Him
When our children were young, we gave tangible items to the church as “Christmas gifts to Jesus.” Either personally or as a family, find a way to give to the Lord or to others in His name this Christmas.
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.—Matthew 2:11
5. Tell Someone about Him
Christmas is the easiest season to open conversations about the Lord. Whether it be asking a co-worker about their holiday traditions and then sharing yours, or bringing a plate of Christmas cookies over to your neighbors with an invitation to a special church service where the gospel will be presented, this is a wonderful season to tell others about Christ and why He came.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.—Luke 2:17–18