4 Ways to Keep Christ at the Center of Christmas

I’m grateful to Pure Flix for contributing information and resources to help families and loved-ones better bond as they spend time together. To that end, they graciously supplied today’s post. Be sure to scroll down for details on a Christmas giveaway offered by the authors of The Christmas Heirloom! -Becky

With Thanksgiving behind us, the holiday season is officially in full swing. As we indulge in holiday cheer from elaborate feasts with loved ones to white lights and beloved Christmas songs, it’s important to be intentional about keeping God’s presence at the center of the season. Remaining mindful of God’s word and His role in our lives — especially His hand in the many blessings we recognize during the holidays — will help your family experience the season more deeply.

 #1. Stop Worshipping Material Possessions

Holiday spending in 2017 was the highest seen over the course of the previous four years, with retail spending increasing by 6.6 percent between Halloween and Christmas. Within this spike, online spending increased to 11 percent from 5.4 percent.

Galatians 5:22-23 reads, “…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control….” There are many things God encourages us to demonstrate throughout our lives, but idolizing material objects isn’t one of them. Instead, seek to embody the true spirit of the holidays, intentionally limiting holiday spending so as to make more room for joy, kindness, and faith.

#2. Celebrate Jesus’s Birthday

Make a point of celebrating the birth of Jesus!  Planning a birthday celebration for Jesus is a great way to teach the children in your life about the nativity story.

Bake a birthday cake with the kids and let them decorate it once cooled. Have them help you write, “Happy Birthday, Jesus” on top of the cake. Remind the kids of the blessings they were afforded due to Christ’s life and sacrifice. As you enjoy the cake, cozy up on the couch for a faith-filled film fest. Numerous Christian movies are perfect for educating your family about Jesus’s part in our lives.

#3. Intercede in Prayer

Avoid the tendency to pray only when in need and only for your own gain.

James 4:3 reads: “You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.” Intercede in prayer for your family members, friends, and community during the Christmas season.  Ask Him for strength, joy, and greater compassion so that you may better live out his word.

#4. Glorify God’s Legacy through Good

Much of God’s legacy has to do with sacrifice. Ultimately, He sacrificed his only son so that we can have the blessings we celebrate throughout the holiday season. Matthew 5:16 explains: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

If you don’t have the ability to sacrifice through giving back on a large scale, there are plenty of small ways to impact those who live around you.

How does your family keep Christ at the center of Christmas?

The authors of The Christmas Heirloom (me, Karen Witemeyer, Kristi Ann Hunter, and Sarah Loudin Thomas) have joined with our publisher to offer a Christmas giveaway! One winner will receive: a signed copy of The Christmas Heirloom, the Luckenbooth brooch and the hand-embroidered brooch bag mentioned in The Christmas Heirloom, a set of handmade Appalachian quilt-inspired ornaments, a book ornament, an aromatic Christmas cookie candle, a gourmet mint hot cocoa. Three additional winners will each receive a copy of The Christmas Heirloom

The contest will run through December 7th.  Click here or on the image below to enter!