“The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.” (John 1:14a MSG)
It seems like we often begin to decorate for Christmas out of habit, or to make our houses look pretty for Instagram, or to impress our neighbors or coworkers who are coming over for a holiday get-together. Or maybe we’re decorating because we’re truly excited about the holiday season, the magic and joy of it, and we want our homes to reflect how our hearts feel.
But I wonder, how many of us look at our stockings, our trees, the lights strung up or the swag wrapped around and think of how these things can point us to Christ?
This year, consider how your decorations point you to the One for whom Christmas is all about. Run your hands along the branches of the tree, over the soft stockings and twinkling lights, and know God’s abundant love for you, his joy at your joy, and his peace – which, just like his grace, is a gift you can only receive, not buy or earn.
Here are ten easy ways to decorate for Christmas while remembering Who is behind our reason for comfort and joy:
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 (NIV)
The simplest way to bring a festive glow to our homes is by adding light to the dark and long winter days during the Christmas season.
On the inside, Christmas lights give our homes a warm glow during dark December days.
Add a strand of lights to a wreath and hang it indoors, in place of a framed picture for the Christmas season. Simple touches of light can be added inside and out during the to create a festive atmosphere, and every time we notice them we are reminded of Jesus, the true Light of the world!
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“So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” - Luke 2:15 (NIV)
The nativity scene is available in all shapes, sizes and price ranges. Consider looking for one the week of Christmas when stores usually mark down Christmas décor. If you want to avoid shopping, call the store up or look online at their inventory.
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“They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” - Jeremiah 17:8
If there is only time for one decoration, let it be the festive and traditionally decorated Christmas tree. Here are a few ways to make your tree special.
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“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” - Isaiah 9:6
Christmas countdowns have evolved since the paper chains made to keep track of the days remaining until that treasured morning Jesus was born. Now, there are decorative countdowns, and interactive calendars that involve the whole family.
Whether it’s a simple piece of chocolate to commemorate each day as Christmas day creeps closer, or a candy cane moving closer to the number 25, marking the days of Advent brings a special anticipation to the season and adds a simple decorative touch to any home. Advent calendars remind us of the Christmas story, verse by verse, and many printable versions are available online.
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Technology allows us to capture more of life’s moments than ever before.
No matter how we choose to display our moments and memories, it reminds us to prioritize gratitude for our blessings during the Christmas season.
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“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” - 1 John 5:11
Advent is the sacred remembrance of the Christmas season, and all Jesus means to us. God’s greatest expression of love, the greatest Gift, came down from heaven the night Jesus was born.
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“Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35
Christmas cards are great decorations! Stick them to the fridge, clip them to a ribbon or string, or purchase one of the many decorative card holders available.
Sending a simple Christmas card is a great way to show someone God has placed in our lives that we love them. Especially in the digital age with live in, every piece of snail mail is a small treasure!
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“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” - Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
Window clings are a simple way to add a festive touch to any home at Christmastime. They are easily accessible and simple to decorate with. One of my favorite memories from childhood involves a window cling we had someone how saved for several Christmas seasons. It had hundreds of pieces that came together to display the entire manger scene.
There are many Bible verse available as window clings, too! Choose a few Christmas favorites and place them where they will be seen often through the holidays. Clings are also a good way to add a little Christmas spirit to a bathroom or a bedroom mirror, or a refrigerator that has a cling-able surface. Displaying our faith in the true meaning of Christmas allows the Truth to speak through our lives.
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“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.” Isaiah 11:1
Artificial evergreen branches, and seasonal flowers, are a great way to add holiday charm to any home.
The colors of the season added to normal, everyday spaces reminds us of how Christ fills our lives with color and life when we walk with Him. Despite the heaviness that some days bring, holiday season or not, He is always there adding a special touch to our lives.
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“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” - John 1:14
For families that have accumulated children’s Christmas books over the years, clear out a shelf on the bookcase for them this holiday season.
They are sweet reminders of our journey with Christ each Advent. No more important during the Christmas season is reading the story of our Savior.
No matter how we choose to decorate our homes this Christmas season, the important thing to bring into focus is the Christmas story. When we make an effort to remember Jesus in every piece of our holiday celebration, He magnifies all of the efforts we take to embrace His love …and the Gift that He is. The greatest gift of all time.
Meg Bucher writes about everyday life within the love of Christ. An author, freelance writer and blogger at Sunny&80, she earned a Marketing/PR degree from Ashland University. Her first book, “Friends with Everyone,” is available on amazon.com. Meg leads/teaches Bible Study in Women’s and Youth Ministry. Living in Northern Ohio, she’s been wife to Jim for a decade and counting, is mom to two tween daughters, a distance runner, photographer, and avid Cleveland Browns fan.
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