As the holiday season approaches, the hustle and bustle of Christmas can often overshadow its true significance. Amidst the shopping, decorating, and festive gatherings, it’s easy to lose sight of what Christmas truly represents. By intentionally focusing on keeping Jesus at the center of our celebrations, and simply our everyday moments, we can cultivate a more meaningful and purposeful Christmas experience.
Embracing the Spirit of Advent
Advent, is the period of time leading up to Christmas, a wonderful time for reflection and anticipation. It encourages our hearts (and bodies) to slow down and prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth. Incorporating daily readings, prayers, or Advent calendars are a few ways that highlight scripture passages related to the coming of Jesus. This practice can help shift our focus from materialism to spirituality, reminding us of the hope, peace, joy, and love that Christ brings into the world.
Simplify Gift-Giving
While gift-giving is a cherished tradition, it can often lead to stress and financial strain. This year, consider simplifying your approach. Instead of focusing on expensive presents, encourage thoughtful gifts that reflect the true spirit of the season. Maybe establish a “secret Santa” within your family or create handmade gifts that convey love and care and intentional thought. By aligning our gift-giving with Jesus’ teachings on generosity and compassion, you can foster a deeper sense of purpose during the holiday season.
Create Life Giving Traditions
Establishing traditions that honor Jesus can enrich our Christmas experience. For instance, reading the nativity story together as a family can be a poignant reminder of the miraculous birth of our Savior. You might also create a family tradition of serving at a local shelter or participating in community outreach. We always pack two boxes for Operation Christmas Child with the two boys & it opens up for such beautiful conversation about the gift of generosity and helping those in need. These acts of kindness always deepen our understanding of Jesus’ message and bring us closer together as a family.
Focus on Worship
Amid the chaos, carve out time for worship and spiritual reflection. Attend church services that celebrate the birth of Christ, and consider participating in special events such as Christmas Eve services or candlelight vigils. Singing carols that tell the story of Jesus’ birth can also be a beautiful way to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Encourage worship no matter what is on the to-do this Christmas season, and let it foster a sense of togetherness and reverence for the season.
Reflect on Jesus’ Message
Christmas is not just about celebrating a historical event; it’s about embracing the transformative message of Jesus. Spend time reflecting on what His birth means for you personally. Consider journaling your thoughts or discussing them with friends and family over dinner. How can you embody the love, grace, and compassion that Jesus exemplified? By meditating on His teachings, we can carry the spirit of Christmas into your daily life, making it more meaningful beyond the holiday season.
Practice Gratitude
The holiday season can often bring feelings of discontent as we compare ourselves to others. The growth of social media and the curation of what looks like a constant scroll of perfect squares doesn’t help the feelings of discontentment and comparison. However, cultivating gratitude and filtering what we fill our minds with can shift our perspective and help us appreciate the blessings we have. Encourage your family to share what they are thankful for during Christmas meals or gatherings. Start a Thanksgiving tree. This practice of gratefulness not only brings joy but also aligns with Jesus’ message of peace and contentment.
Keep the First things First!
Keeping Christmas meaningful and purposeful starts with a conscious decision to put Jesus first in our celebrations. By embracing the spirit of Advent, simplifying gift-giving, creating Christ-centered traditions, focusing on worship, reflecting on Jesus’ message, and practicing gratitude, we can transform our holiday season into a time of true joy and fulfillment.
As we navigate through the busyness of the season, let’s remember that Christmas is ultimately about love—God’s love for us, and our love for one another. By prioritizing Jesus, we not only enrich our own lives but also share His light with others, making this Christmas a time of deep significance and lasting impact.
xo
