Paula @ Gracefilled Moments It\’s not uncommon for us to complain about the holiday season from October through the end of December. Saying things like…
\”Christmas has been given mass appeal to commercialization. It\’s so secular now,\” \”it\’s materialistic,\” we might say.
\”It\’s all about Santa and shopping, but what about the Savior?\”
I agree with these sentiments. After all, Christmas is a time to celebrate Jesus\’ birth.
But how do we keep Christ in Christmas when we might be caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday? What with decorating trees, shopping for the perfect gifts, Christmas caroling, and nativity plays, hosting family and friends, baking cookies, and don\’t forget about pictures with Santa.
Here, I want to give you ideas and help you reframe your focus so that you can keep Christ as the center of your Christmas activities. And enjoy the holiday in a more peaceful and meaningful way.
This post is NOT about advising you to give up your holiday traditions or making you feel guilty about enjoying the secular things or commercial parts of the holiday season. I enjoy these things too. It\’s also not about adding more things to your already overloaded schedule. Instead, I want to show you how Christ can be a part of everything you have planned this season.
Decorating The Christmas Tree
Usually the centerpiece of your home. The Christmas tree is a great place to showcase Jesus\’ birth. You can tell the Christmas story through nativity-themed ornaments. And, as you string the lights, remind your family that Jesus is the world\’s light. Then, when you\’re putting that star, angel, or yes, even that bow on the top of the tree, think about the night Jesus was born. Tell your children about the star the wise men followed or the angels that announced Jesus\’ birth to the shepherds. Every time you look at your Christmas tree, you will see Jesus and the joy He brings.
Watching Christmas Movies
The Nativity Story is a popular Christmas movie. But you can even use movies about elves, reindeer, and snowmen to spark conversations about faith, hope, and God\’s love at work. So, pop the popcorn, put on your PJs and fuzzy socks, grab your blanket, turn on your favorite streaming service, and enjoy a great family night.
Shopping & Buying Gifts
God gave us the most precious gift with the birth of Jesus. Giving is how He showed His great love for us (John 3:16). As you shop for gifts, thank God for Jesus. Be grateful for the blessings you\’ve received, and yes, even those lessons learned along the way— even the hard ones. Reflect on the love you want to share with your family and friends through your gifts.
Santa Claus
Even Santa? Why not?! If your family participates in Santa clause— Some do not, you can talk about Christ\’s love at work through a man who makes toys and delivers them to children around the world? Show your children God\’s love on display. Santa can be used to illustrate how God uses people to bless others. I can\’t imagine the Jesus who ate with tax collectors and ministered to Samaritan women would turn away a man who makes toys and delivers them to children.
Keeping Christ in Christmas is not about banning Santa or the commercialization of the season. It\’s more about how you live your life than what you buy. The reality is whether or not you enjoy a peaceful Christ-centered Christmas is up to you. The best way to have a Christ-centered Christmas is to make Him the center of your celebrations.
Recognize and celebrate the love and character of Christ that is present all around. Take every opportunity to remind yourself, your family, and your friends about the season\’s true meaning.
Click on the image to download the 21 Christmas Journal & Prayer Prompts PDF.
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Paula, I love your thoughts here. I too believe that we can have our traditions yet point them all to Jesus! Merry Christmas.
Amen Debbie, so true. Merry Christmas sweet friend! <>
Lots of good prayers and prompts! Thanks so much for linking up at the Unlimited Link Party 93. Shared.
Thank you so much Dee. <>
Jesus is the reason for the season. I remember as a little girl having to go to church before we could see or open our presents – and we couldn’t eat before church then. Christmas Day was Jesus first, presents second – and I miss that. However, I do love the sweetness of a St. Nicholas giver – there’s hope in a good Christian’s heart!
CONGRATS Paula! Your post is FEATURED at the Unlimited Link Party 94!
Paula, such a wonderful post! Amen! It is and will continue to be all about Jesus and the beautiful sacrifice He made on our behalf!
My grandson asked my daughter if Santa was real, and she gave him the spiel about Santa representing a kind man who lived long ago and helped the poor in the winter by bringing them gifts. When she finished, he looked at her for a long moment and said, ‘You’re wrong, Mom. Santa is 100% legit!’
Great thoughts Paula. Sometimes Christians become too militaristic about the commercialism of Christmas. We have such a powerful in road to spark conversation about the truth through even commercialized Christmas practices. may we be motivated by love, not legalism.
These are such great ideas for keeping Jesus as the focal point of all of our celebratory activities. Thank you.
We do Jesse Tree readings for Advent and place the corresponding ornaments on a garland (we no longer have a place for a small Jesse Tree). This really helps us keep our focus on Christ throughout the baking, gift wrapping, and get togethers.
Thanks for the other suggestions! Merry Christmas!
These are great ideas! We read the Bible story before opening gifts, and at the Christmas meal we share Bible verses and discuss them.
Paula,
I hope you had a lovely Christmas and I wish you and your family a Happy and Healthy New Year!!! Thanks so much for your visits and kind words!! I truly appreciated you taking the time to do so!!!
Hugs,
Deb
Christmas is a special. Like many things in life, you get what you invest in the holiday. We have to add the meaning with our actions. God bless and I hope you have a wonderful 2023!
Wishing you a blessed 2023 Carol.