Reclaiming Christmas: 7 Tips for a Christ-Centered Holiday
As the most wonderful time of the year approaches, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of consumerism and tradition. But what if we told you that there’s more to Christmas than just presents and decorations? What if we could make this holiday season one to remember, not just for the gifts we give and receive, but for the way we honor God and disciple our families?
For many of us, Christmas is a time-honored tradition that can feel more like a ritual than a celebration. We put up trees, hang lights, and exchange gifts without much thought to the true meaning behind it all. But what if we took a step back and approached Christmas with fresh eyes? What if we saw it as an opportunity to share the gospel with our neighbors, to disciple our children, and to deepen our own faith?
In this article, we’ll explore 7 tips for making Christmas a Christ-centered holiday. From decorating your home to discipling your family, we’ll show you how to make this season one that honors God and brings joy to those around you.
Tip #1: Tie Every Aspect of Christmas Back to Jesus
From the tree to the stockings, every aspect of Christmas can be tied back to Jesus. Take the lights, for example. Why do we put up lights? Because Jesus, the light of the world, came into the darkness of this world. Now he calls us the light of the world. We don’t hide that we follow Jesus. We want it to be as obvious as a string of lights on our home.
Tip #2: Make Discipleship a Priority
Christmas is a significant annual opportunity to disciple as you celebrate the incarnation of Christ. Don’t let the busyness of the season distract you from this important task. Take time to read Scripture, sing hymns, and pray with your family. Ask deeper theological questions and encourage your children to do the same.
Tip #3: Be Intentional with Your Traditions
Don’t just go through the motions of Christmas traditions. Be intentional about what you’re doing and why. Take the time to explain the significance of each tradition to your children. This will help them understand the true meaning behind the holiday and create lasting memories.
Tip #4: Focus on Shared Experiences, Not Just Gifts
While gifts can be a fun part of Christmas, they shouldn’t be the focus. Instead, prioritize shared experiences with your family. Plan a special outing or activity that you can all enjoy together. This will create lasting memories and bring joy to your family.
Tip #5: Serve Others
Christmas is a great time to serve others. Take treats to those who are working to serve and are away from their families. Visit the lonely and aging in your community. Go caroling at a local assisted living center. These small acts of kindness can bring joy to those around you and honor God.
Tip #6: Reconcile with Family Members
Christmas is a great time to work on reconciling with family members. Whether it’s a time of repentance needed in your immediate family or a conversation with distant relatives with whom you’ve had conflict, Christmas is the perfect time to give the gift of forgiveness or ask to receive it yourself.
Tip #7: Make It a Special Time for Family Devotions
Holidays are a special occasion for family devotions. Take time to read Scripture, sing hymns, and pray together. Ask deeper theological questions and encourage your children to do the same. Make this a special time to focus on Christ and deepen your faith.
By following these 7 tips, you can make Christmas a Christ-centered holiday that honors God and brings joy to those around you. Remember, it’s the thought that counts, not the price tag. So take the time to be intentional about your traditions, focus on shared experiences, and serve others. Make this Christmas one to remember!
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