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Keeping Christ in Christmas
In the midst of all the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations, it is easy to get swept away by the twinkling lights, festive decorations, mad rush to finish getting gifts and checking off each box of our To Do lists.
Despite all the busyness, it's crucial to reflect on the true essence of Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. He is the reason for the Season.
Here are some meaningful ways to keep Christ in Christmas and at the center of your holiday festivities.
Remember the Good News of the Gospel
The birth of Jesus is the start of the gospel. Jesus Christ, born of the Virgin Mary, fulfilled over 300 prophecies of the old testament.
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)
It is the start of the awesome news leading to the eternal life offered to those that believe. Reflect with your kids the key points of the gospel using the Roman Road.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23)
“For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23a)
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” (Romans 10:9-10)
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.” (Romans 5:1-2)
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” (Romans 8:1)
Simply:
We are by nature sinners, and have fallen short.
The price of that sin, is death.
God with his amazing grace sacrificed his own son to pay the price for our sin. A man who was sinless and did no wrong.
Our belief in the Jesus as our own savior is required for our salvation.
Reflect on the Nativity Story
Take time to read and reflect on the first Christmas as described in the gospels of Matthew and Luke. Reading the Nativity story together as a family, going to experience a live nativity, setting up the family Nativity and allowing the kiddos to use the figurines to retell the story are all ways we reflect on the Nativity story in interactively. These have been two of our favorite nativities since my kiddos were young:
Attend Church Services
In addition to our home Church Christmas service we are on the constant look out for additional ways to participate in community celebration of Christ's birth. Last year this included Christmas sing along gatherings, candle lighting, caroling, live Nativities and Christ Centered Christmas Light displays.
Give the Gift of Love
Focus on acts of kindness and love by volunteering at local charities and donating your time and energy to those in need. Minimize the materialism of gift-giving and embody the spirit of giving of one’s self that Jesus taught.
Incorporate Advent Traditions
Celebrate the Advent season by incorporating traditions like lighting the Advent candles or creating an Advent calendar. My family has also enjoyed the convenience of some premade Advent Calendars over the years, here are some that always entice participation. These activities help maintain a sense of anticipation and excitement leading up to Christmas.
Share the Gospel
Use the holiday season as an opportunity to share the true meaning of Christmas. Encourage conversation surrounding the message of Jesus' love and salvation. Arrange small gatherings and use every opportunity to discuss the real Reason for the Season. My children often use the candy cane as a way to discuss Jesus and the story of his salvation.
Prayer and Gratitude
Set aside time for prayer and to express gratitude for the gift of Jesus. Prioritizing prayer and gratitude will help focus on the spiritual blessings that Christmas represents and minimize the materialism that often offers distraction during this holiday season. By intentionally keeping Christ at the center of your celebrations, you not only honor the true meaning of Christmas but also foster a deeper connection with your faith and your family. May your Christmas be filled with the love, joy and peace that Christ's birth, death and resurrection brings to the world.
Have a Merry Christmas!
Also be sure to check out our 21 Ways to Keep Kids Learning Over Christmas Break.
Tages: Baby Jesus, Merry Christmas, Eternal Life, Good News, Wise Men, Wooden Nativity
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