This time of year, we all get caught up in the magical season of Christmas. As a minister, and more importantly a Christian, I struggle when I see Jesus missing from the scene. We must be honest and say that our society does not place much value in the real reason for the season! I believe that it is our duty as Christians not to beat the world up or force them to see Christmas the way we do, but rather make sure that Jesus is the reason for our Christmas.
The number one way to keep Jesus Christ in your Christmas celebrations is to have him present in your daily life. Of course, the first step is being a Christian. If you haven’t made that commitment than you have your starting point. Feel free to contact us at WCC to help you with that decision.
If you’ve already accepted Jesus as your Savior and made him at the center of your life, keeping Christ in Christmas is more about the way you live your life than the things you say – such as “Merry Christmas” vs. “Happy Holidays.”
Keeping Christ in Christmas means daily showing the character, love, and spirit of Christ that dwells in you by allowing these traits to shine through your actions. Here are some simple ways to keep Christ the central focus of your life this Christmas season:
Give God one very special gift just from you to him.
Let this gift be something personal that no one else needs to know about, and let it be a sacrifice. David in 2 Samuel 24 that he would not offer a sacrifice to God that cost him nothing.
Maybe your gift to God will be to forgive someone that you’ve needed to forgive for a long time. In doing so, you may discover that you’ve given a gift back to yourself.
Perhaps your gift will be to commit to spending time with God daily, or maybe there is something God has asked you to give up. Make this your most important gift of the season.
Set aside a special time to read the Christmas story in Luke 1:5-56 trough 2:1-20.
Set up a Nativity scene in your home.
If you don’t have a Nativity, here are some ideas to help you make your own Nativity scene:
Plan a project of good will this Christmas.
Do you have an elderly neighbor in need of home repairs or yard work? Find someone with a genuine need, involve your whole family, and see how happy you can make them this Christmas.
Give a surprise gift of service to each member of your family.
Jesus taught us to serve by washing the disciples’ feet. He also taught us that it is “…more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35, NIV)
Giving an unexpected gift of service to members of your family demonstrates Christ-like love and service. You might consider giving a back rub to your spouse, running an errand for your brother, or cleaning out a closet for your mother. Make it personal and meaningful and watch the blessings multiply.
Attend a Christmas church service together with your family.
If you are alone this Christmas or don’t have family living near you, invite a friend or a neighbor to join you.
This year we will have our Christmas Eve service at 4:00PM, and unlike last year where you had to reserve seats, this year it is come and bring as many people as you want.
The most important thing you can do this time of year is not forget why we celebrate. There is absolutely nothing wrong with big family gatherings and special traditions; I have my own! We play Christmas charades on Christmas eve and wake up on Christmas morning and eat oysters for breakfast. I love these traditions. But we never forget to remember why these traditions are in place. It is because of the baby that was born to the virgin Mary over 2000 years ago. It is about the savior of the world, our Immanuel, or God with us. With Jesus, we have a day worth celebrating because we know we have Heaven waiting as the greatest gift God has ever given us. Our Salvation!!!!