It is so easy to get wrapped up in the commercial version of Christmas when there are lights and presents everywhere that we look. With all of the hype about what presents you will be receiving on Christmas day, it isn't hard to forget what the holiday is actually about. It is very important that Christmas is actually a holy night to commemorate the birth of our Jesus Christ. It is completely okay to participate in the joyful festivities of the season, but this year I challenge you to be conscious of the true meaning behind it all.
Here are some simple ways to keep the Christ in Christmas.
Light An Advent Wreath
My first encounter with the word advent came from the decorative calendar that counted down the days until Christmas. I remember peeling back the paper flaps to reveal a piece of chocolate each morning. Advent, meaning arrival, is defined as the four weeks leading up to Jesus' birth. Each candle on the wreath symbolizes another week closer to Christmas.
Set Up A Nativity Set
It is fun to trim the tree before Christmas, but having a small nativity set in your house is a friendly reminder of what happened on the day that Jesus was born. Put it in a place where you will notice it every day during the season. (Note: don't put Jesus in the manger until you go to sleep on Christmas Eve.)
Read The Nativity Story
The story of what actually happened on the day that Jesus was born is a beautiful way to commemorate the holiday. If you go to church (which is another way to keep the Christ in Christmas) during the holiday season you are sure to hear Luke 2:1-20 and Matthew 1:18-25 in the readings.
Sing Happy Birthday To Jesus
It may sound silly, but singing happy birthday is a small gesture that can go a long way. My church actually sells small loaves of cake that come with a candle and a prayer in order to remember that Christmas is actually a big birthday party for Christ. Happy birthday to Jesus!
Do Good Deeds
It's the season to spread love and joy. It is so easy to participate in a local toy drive (so many places have them this time of year) or to spend an hour or two volunteering at a soup kitchen. Even a random act of kindness such as holding the door open, or buying the person behind you coffee, spreads Jesus' message and the true Christmas spirit.
Write Christmas instead of X-mas
It is so simple and easy to write out the full word and it is the most literal way to keep the Christ in Christmas.
I am going to end this article with a quick Christmas prayer.
Loving Father,
Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and worship of the wise men.
Amen.
