How to Keep Christ in Christmas

10 Purposeful Ways to Make Christ the Center of Your Christmas

Keep Christ in Christmas
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The number one way to keep Jesus Christ in your Christmas celebrations is to have him present in your daily life. If you're not sure what it means to become a believer in Christ, check out this article on "How to Become a Christian."

If you've already accepted Jesus as your Savior and made him 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" versus "Happy Holidays."

Keeping Christ in Christmas means daily revealing the character, love and spirit of Christ that dwells in you, by allowing these traits to shine through your actions. Here are simple ways to keep Christ the central focus of your life this Christmas season.

10 Ways to Keep Christ in Christmas

1) 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 said 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 you've needed to forgive for a long time. You may discover that you've given a gift back to yourself.

Lewis B. Smedes wrote in his book, Forgive and Forget, "When you release the wrongdoer from the wrong, you cut a malignant tumor out of your inner life. You set a prisoner free, but you discover that the real prisoner was 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.

2) Set aside a special time to read the Christmas story in Luke 1:5-56 through 2:1-20.

Consider reading this account with your family and discussing it together.

3) Set up a Nativity scene in your home.

If you don't have a Nativity, here are ideas to help you make your own Nativity scene:

  • Nativity Related Crafts

4) Plan a project of good will this Christmas.

A few years ago, my family adopted a single mom for Christmas. She was barely making ends meet and didn't have money to buy gifts for her small child. Together with my husband's family, we bought gifts for both mother and daughter and replaced their broken down washing machine the week of 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 him or her this Christmas.

5) Take a group Christmas caroling in a nursing home or a children's hospital.

One year the staff at the office where I worked decided to incorporate Christmas caroling at a nearby nursing home into our yearly staff Christmas party plans. We all met at the nursing home and toured the facility while singing Christmas carols, such as "Angels We Have Heard on High" and "O Holy Night". Afterwards, we headed back to our party with our hearts full of tenderness. It was the best staff Christmas party we'd ever had.

6) 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.

7) Set aside a time of family devotions on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning.

Before opening the gifts, take a few minutes to gather together as a family in prayer and devotions. Read a few Bible verses and discuss as a family the true meaning of Christmas.

8) 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.

9) Send Christmas cards that convey a spiritual message.

This is an easy way to share your faith at Christmastime. If you've already bought the reindeer cards—no problem! Just write a Bible verse and include a personal message with each card.

10) Write a Christmas letter to a missionary.

This idea is dear to my heart because I spent four years on the mission field. No matter what day it was, whenever I received a letter, it felt like I was opening a priceless gift on Christmas morning.

Many missionaries are unable to travel home for the holidays, so Christmas can be a very lonely time for them. Write a special letter to a missionary of your choice and thank them for giving their life in service to the Lord. Trust me—it will mean more than you can imagine.

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Fairchild, Mary. "How to Keep Christ in Christmas." Learn Religions, Mar. 4, 2021, learnreligions.com/ways-to-keep-christ-in-christmas-700764. Fairchild, Mary. (2021, March 4). How to Keep Christ in Christmas. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/ways-to-keep-christ-in-christmas-700764 Fairchild, Mary. "How to Keep Christ in Christmas." Learn Religions. https://www.learnreligions.com/ways-to-keep-christ-in-christmas-700764 (accessed March 19, 2024).