The holiday season is a busy one. But it’s also my favorite one. Before Thanksgiving even hits I’m looking forward to the arrival of Christmas. The decor, the lights, the music, wrapping presents, baking Christmas cookies, and all of the wonderful atmosphere.
So often we rush through the holiday season distracted by all of it’s wonder. We forget what Christmas is really about. As the saying goes,
“Jesus is the reason for the season.”
But do we actually live that way? It’s so easy to get wrapped up in everything. And although there’s nothing wrong with partaking in gifts, and admiring the holiday atmosphere, there’s nothing I want my life to display more than an atmosphere of worship. I want the joy I experience to be a reminder of the Savior’s never ending love.
Matthew 2:10 and 11 says, “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.”
The Wise Men bowed down and worshiped Jesus. They acknowledged who he was and their immediate response was to worship Him! They didn’t check into their hotel, or grab a bite to eat. They traveled straight to their Lord and gave Him all of the glory.
Let’s start the season off by making sure we take the time to celebrate Jesus, and put Him first.
Include scripture on your Christmas card.
I LOVE sending out Christmas cards. Being a photographer, I’ll take any excuse to get on the other side of the camera and have photos taken of my little family. But I’ll be honest, placing scripture on my card is never the first thing on my mind. If we are to do EVERYTHING for the Lord, then that means even the little things, like Christmas cards, can be used to bring him glory!
“All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Let’s encourage each other, and remind each other of the significance of His love for us.
Find a way to Serve.
There are tons of ways to serve your local area, or even across the world. Volunteering in soup kitchens, participating in Operation Christmas Child shoe box, or even donating gifts to families in need. God loves a cheerful giver! And we are called to live within our means and share our abundance. Even non-believers know that this time of the year is about giving! One of the coolest ideas I’ve heard of is going around your neighborhood and praying for your neighbors. You don’t have to have a ton of money. You don’t have to travel overseas to share Christ. Your mission field is right outside your door. Go out and love on people!
Attend a Christmas Eve Service.
Maybe you don’t go to church very often. Work, school, whatever the reason may be, I hope you still find time to put God in your schedule. I know, that’s easier said than done. But the great thing about Christmas time, is most places close down! No work, no school. Most stores are even closed. It’s the perfect time to come into a place of worship and acknowledge that He is Lord of your life! Sing some classic Christmas Hymns about the birth of Jesus, and fellowship with your Church family. Our church holds a candle lighting ceremony, and it’s one of the most beautiful things to see.
Decorate with a Nativity Scene.
Obviously this blog is heavily influenced by home decorating. And Christmas decorating is our favorite! Give me all of the lights and warm fuzzy blankets. Mmmmmm, yes.
You can easily incorporate a worship centered atmosphere in your home with some simple decorating! And a Nativity scene is a great way to do that. There are TONS to choose from. Small, big. Indoor, outdoor. Glass, wood. Literally TONS of choices. You can also decorate with some cute stocking holders, and some christian ornaments. I’ve seen crosses, and letters that spell out N.O.E.L, for holding stockings. You name it! Recently I won this ornament at a vendor show from the company Mary & Martha. If you haven’t heard of them, you need to check them out.
The more Christ centered decorations you have, the more you’ll be stopped and reminded to thank God for who He is.
Read the New Testament birth of Christ.
This is a tradition my family is going to start. Right now, our son is young, so he can’t participate much. But each year we plan to snuggle up, and read the story of Christ’s birth from scripture on Christmas Eve. And the next morning we will start the day off by praying together, and thanking God for coming and living a perfect life through his son Jesus, so that we can be forgiven of our sins and live eternally by His side. It’s just our way of putting God first, and keeping our hearts in the right place while remembering what Christmas is all about.
Teach your kids Christmas symbolism.
Have you ever wondered why people put up Christmas trees? Or how giving gifts came about? While some holiday decorations and traditions may seem silly, many of them do have a special meaning. Teaching your children some of the Christmas symbols is a great way to keep Christ at the center of their Christmas Spirits. And there is even scripture to back them up! Here are just a few:
Angels appeared to Mary and Joseph and the shepherds to announce the birth of Jesus.
A star guided the shepherds to where Jesus was born in a manger.
The color Red represents the blood of Jesus when he died on the cross, and that’s why we decorate with holly berries.
Evergreens and fir trees represent everlasting life.
Wreaths symbolize Christ’s never-ending love.
Candles remind us that Jesus is the light of the world. Matthew 2:9-10
The candy cane symbolizes the shape of the shepherds hooks, and Jesus is the Good Shepherd. The red represents the blood, and the white represents purity.
We give gifts because the wise men brought Jesus gifts to honor Him. And because God has given us many gifts: Eternal life, the Holy Spirit and the fruits of the spirit.
Above all, find a way to put God first.
I’ve heard of people baking a cake and singing happy birthday to Jesus! I’ve also heard of giving a gift to God. Nothing tangible, just a prayer or even writing down something to offer up to him. Something you’ve struggled with, or something you need to give over to him. Let Him take it all. I’ve seen several different traditions, and I’m always hearing of new ones. It doesn’t matter how you celebrate the season. But hopefully you can find a way to keep God first. And not just during Christmas, but every day of your life!
What are some ways your family celebrates Jesus during this CHRISTmas season? Comment below!
xoxo, Britny
Love this, Britny!!