It is easy to get bogged down in all the negative things associated with Christmas. But the gospel is clear: to give God glory, we need to be peaceful on earth and, therefore, show God's favor to everyone
We all know that Christmas is a holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus. We attend Christmas Eve services and light our Advent candles in great anticipation of the day of Jesus' birth. But no matter how hard we try, the endless to-do list of Christmas tasks can take the focus off Jesus and place it on all the things that must be done. It can be difficult to focus on Jesus during the Christmas season, when stores are adorned with Christmas decorations, and piles of Christmas cards are left unaddressed on the table. Plus, the buying, wrapping, and sending of all the gifts for our relatives can make our to-do lists even longer. Although everyone has things to do over the Christmas season, it doesn't have to take our focus off Jesus.
Here are some everyday ways I have learned to make Jesus the real reason for the season:
I Simplified My Tasks
In my husband's family, my mother-in-law makes Christmas cookies with her grandkids every year. Because my kids never got to participate, I did this activity at home. The churches I have been a part of also participate in cookie swaps, which makes even more work to be done—making cookies, sealing them in pretty Christmas tins, and giving them to friends. While this is nice in theory, it just makes me take my focus off Jesus. In recent years, I have learned that because a church participates in something does not mean I have to. I have shifted my focus away from the activities that don't necessarily have to be done during Christmas. The only two areas of Christmas I focus on are Christmas cards and buying presents. This, along with decorating the Christmas tree, are the only traditions we practice when it comes to the Christmas season.
By simplifying my to-do list, I can complete all the things that need to be done and continue to focus on Jesus. Take a moment and look at your own to-do list. How many of these things are things that you have been doing out of habit and how many of them bring you joy? Trim down your Christmas card list, simplify the number of people you're buying presents for, and forgo the Christmas cookie-making. By simplifying your to-do list, your mental and emotional well-being will benefit, not to mention your wallet and even your waistline.
I Gained an Attitude of Worship
I enjoy secular Christmas music. But I don't put it on until Christmas week or even Christmas Day. Putting Christian carols on at the beginning of the month helps me focus on Jesus. I listen to the lyrics carefully and enjoy singing and listening to beautiful renditions of classic Christmas carols. It helps me focus on worship during my day instead of the clamor of the world, and I focus on why Jesus came to earth. Some classic carols and even contemporary favorites have such deep, rich lyrics that communicate the true meaning of this season. When negative thoughts invade my mind, I can combat them by focusing on the song I recently heard which helps me focus more on the grace I've received from Jesus' birth, combatting the negative thoughts.
I Cling to the Word
Every year when I read the account of Jesus' birth in the Book of Luke, I find something new. These new revelations from the Word of God help me remember the lowly and humble beginnings of Jesus. As I struggle with providing an abundance of presents and food for all my family members, I start my day reflecting on just how much Jesus sacrificed for me to have Christmas. This puts me in a posture of humility and allows me to dwell on just how much I have received because of Jesus' sacrifice. Philippians 2:7 describes Jesus’ willingness to strip himself of his deity and exchange it for humanity, doing so with a posture of humility: “Rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”
I Pay It Forward
Luke 2:14 says, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” The Christmas season is meant for kindness and peace towards everyone. However, the hustle and bustle that is associated with the holidays, the high prices of gifts, and the toy fads that people obsess about are really at the heart of what Christmas means to people. It is easy to get bogged down in all the negative things associated with Christmas. But the gospel is clear: to give God glory, we need to be peaceful on earth and, therefore, show God's favor to everyone.
Instead of yelling during traffic or scoffing at the high price of goods, I can pay it forward to others. It may be as simple as holding a door open, paying for someone's meal, or even paying off someone's layaway account. All these things, if I choose to do them one at a time, will spread more kindness and change the world for the better. By displaying the fruit of kindness to others I also demonstrate the Holy Spirit. My choice to be kind to contrast someone else's anger or selfishness can be a demonstration of Jesus (even though they may not recognize it). Furthermore, I don't need to practice kindness only during the holiday season. The Holy Spirit that dwells within me allows me to do this every day of the year.
I Sacrifice Myself
For many years, finances have been tight, especially during Christmas when my kids want expensive gifts. It has been difficult to be able to provide for those on our own. God in his goodness has provided those things for us year after year. But it also meant that I or my husband had to sacrifice gifts we wanted in lieu of giving special gifts to our children. Although it has been tough to sacrifice sometimes, I know I'm practicing the sacrificial love of Jesus by giving to our children rather than ourselves when it comes to Christmas gifts. If finances are tight for you as well, consider sacrificing your gifts to give to your children. Even better, volunteer at a food pantry or a shelter. When we see that we have pretty good lives compared to others, it puts in perspective what's truly important. When we can understand that our basic needs are met and that God has been good in providing for us, we know that a small sacrifice to the Christmas season can mean a life of sacrificial giving, producing within us a more Christ-like character because of it.
Christmas is a favorite holiday for many people, including Christians. Many Christians like to use the phrase “Jesus is the reason for the season,” to keep Christ at the center of our holiday season. Although it may seem difficult at times, if we observe and mimic the characteristics of Jesus, we will certainly keep him at the center of our lives, not only at Christmas but every day of the year.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Alasdair Elmes
