It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Families are gathering, the weather is cooling, and the Christmas spirit is growing (along with our waistlines)! This is, by far, my most favorite time of the year. December 1st hits and I am just in a good mood. I love Christmas music (start in November actually – don’t judge me!), I love being with family and the joy that being around the table with loved ones brings, and I LOVE celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior!
But, if we’re honest, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be a little draining and most certainly hectic. There’s always another get together to be at, another present that needs to be wrapped, and another gift that we can’t afford. It’s very easy to forget what this season is all about. We often fall into the trap of leaving Christ out of Christmas. I would like to propose a few ideas that you (especially parents) can implement in your home to keep Christ at the center of your Christmas.
- Open your bibles and read through the Christmas story.
The Bible is the foundation upon which the Christian builds his knowledge of God and of how to live this thing called the Christian life. The Bible is not mere words on a page – it is the very Word of God. It is not some ancient book with irrelevant meaning, but instead it is life for today. Hebrews 4:12 tells us that the Bible is living and active and sharper than any two edged sword and penetrates the heart of man. 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us is it profitable for man to be made complete. What better way to celebrate the birth of Christ than to proclaim it in our very homes!
- Serve those who are in need of Christ this Christmas season.
Christ was not someone who only talked a big talk but also walked the walk. Jesus saw those who were in need and he was moved with compassion (Matthew 9:36). Jesus met physical needs in order to meet spiritual needs as well. It was never either/or but always both/and. There are many in our community that do not have the same Christmas experience as we do. There are some who have lost family, some whose family is far away, and others who have alienated themselves from family. There are many who just simply do not have the means to have a traditional family Christmas. My old pastor and his family were a great example of how to serve others during this time. Every year on Christmas day they volunteered to help serve meals to those who were in need. By doing this, they showed the love of Christ in deed but they were also able to have a platform to share the gospel with them. Notice that I said they did this as a family. It wasn’t mom and dad or older siblings. This was a family event. Parents you have a great opportunity to set the example for your children this Christmas season. Don’t pass it up!
- Get your family in church.
I would actually challenge you to make this a year round commitment! Holidays usually bring out the masses when it comes to church attendance. Many feel obligated to come during times like this. Some scoff at those that only come during this time, but I say we praise God for it! Anytime someone comes to the house of the Lord we should be ecstatic. Christmas brings along with it the emphasis upon the birth of Jesus. Because of this, our preaching around this year tends to intensely focus on evangelism. This should encourage those of us with lost members of our family to invite them even more! Another reason we should make sure to get our families in church is that the Lord commands it. Hebrews 10:25 tells us not to forsake the gathering of the saints, that is, the church. Parents, it is your responsibility to have your children in church. You are the primary spiritual advisers of their lives. If it is not a priority to you now, it will not be a priority to them later in life. Make time this Christmas season and all other times of the year to be in church with your family!
While this is not an exhaustive list, I do hope that it could at least be a starting point for some. Overall, I just ask you to make much of Christ. As the song says, “O come let us adore Him!”
In Christ,
Bro. Taylor Haley
Student Pastor
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