Ten Ideas to Keep Christ in Christmas
Image by Jenny Stainback
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year! Beautiful decorations, glistening lights, Christmas music, parties, presents, and Santa Claus help to make the season merry and bright. While these festivities are enjoyable, we must remember to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the true reason for the season and the most wonderful part. Without Him, we would have no Christmas or hope of eternal salvation (John 14:6). The word Christmas, meaning “Christ’s Mass,” is named after Him. He should be our primary focus during Christmas. Like the angels and shepherds, let us glorify and praise God for the birth of our Savior (Luke 2:13-14;20).
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. —Luke 2:10-11 (KJV)
It’s easy for Christ to be overshadowed by secular Christmas characters and traditions on His birthday. Enjoying all aspects of Christmas while incorporating fun ways to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ is possible. Children need to know and understand the true meaning of Christmas. Traditions made now can be passed down for generations. Incorporate these ten ideas to keep Christ in Christmas.
Ten Ideas to Keep Christ in Christmas
1. Nativity Scenes
Display nativity scenes inside and outside for decorating. Children enjoy playing with safe and non-breakable nativities. I loved playing with my grandmother’s nativity as a child. It’s good to read a children’s book or Scripture about the birth of Christ while explaining the characters in the nativity scene to children.
2. Scriptures of Jesus’ Birth
Read Scripture verses of Jesus’ birth on Christmas Day and throughout the month. Suggested verses are Matthew 1:18–25, Matthew 2: 1–12, Luke 1:26–38, and Luke 2:1–20. Luke has twenty-four chapters. If you start reading one chapter per day on December 1, you can complete Luke by Christmas Eve.
3. Advent Calendar or Wreath
The official Advent season starts on the last Sunday in November. Create or buy a Christian advent calendar that counts the days until Jesus’ birth. Mine has twenty-four daily items that make up the nativity. Other ideas include attaching a daily act of kindness goal or Scripture verse to read. See #2 for suggested Scripture verses.
Advent wreaths symbolize eternal life and the hope given to us by Jesus. Light candles each Sunday and discuss the meaning of each candle (hope, peace, joy, love).
4. Children’s Books about Jesus’ Birth
Read books about the birth of Jesus to your children. Many great selections are available. Children’s Bibles are also a great source. It’s Cool To Be A Christian has a page dedicated to the true meaning of Christmas based on Scripture.
5. Christian Christmas Songs
Listen to Christ-centered Christmas songs. Singing along as a family in the car or at home is fun. Caroling is a great way to spread the good news of Jesus and bring joy to others, especially the elderly in nursing homes. “Away in a Manger,” “Joy to the World,” “Little Drummer Boy,” “Silent Night,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “O Holy Night,” and “We Three Kings” are some of my favorite classics.
6. Christmas Church Services
Attend Christmas church services. Many churches offer a Christmas Eve candlelight or Christmas Day service to honor the birth of Christ. Being active in church is always important. It’s common for adult choirs and children’s ministries to have a Christmas cantata or play to perform for the church. Some churches offer programs like “A Night in Bethlehem” for the community where they recreate a live nativity and first-century Jerusalem.
7. Charity
Donate or volunteer time for a charity. Christians should be Christ-like and help others in need when possible. Even small gestures can make or break someone’s day and Christmas. Let your children help fill shoe boxes for Samaritan’s Purse or pick out items for an Angel Tree child. Many organizations collect food, gifts, or donations during the holidays.
8. Birthday Party for Jesus
Incorporate a birthday party for Jesus at Christmas. Light candles on a cake and sing, "Happy Birthday,” to Jesus. Children can make gifts and a stocking for Jesus. Place personal pledges or messages in the stocking for Him.
9. Christian Christmas Symbols
Discuss the meaning of Christian Symbols used at Christmas. Here are some examples:
· The candy cane represents a shepherd’s crook, reminding us of the shepherds who came to visit Jesus. Books, cards, and games about the legend of the candy cane are available.
· Presents represent the gold, frankincense, and myrrh the Wise men brought to Jesus as gifts.
· The evergreen Christmas tree represents the everlasting love of Christ.
· Candles represent the light Christ has brought into the world.
10. Christian-themed Christmas Cards
Mail Christian-themed Christmas cards. You can purchase them or make them by hand. This is a fun way to honor Jesus’ birth while connecting with friends and family each year. I still enjoy receiving and sending cards during the Christmas season.
Focusing on the true meaning of Christmas can also help those struggling. For those grieving the loss of a loved one or going through other personal hardships, Christmas can bring sadness, not joy. But because of Jesus Christ, there is hope and a reason for all believers to celebrate.
Only a true Messiah born in a manger could still be celebrated thousands of years later by over two billion people worldwide. There was no internet, radio, or television to spread the news. I suspect the people who witnessed His birth could not have imagined the magnitude of His influence so many years later, even knowing He was the Messiah.
In summary, let’s keep Jesus Christ the primary focus of our Christmas this year and every year. Give Him the celebration and recognition He deserves. Because of Him, we have hope, joy, peace, and eternal salvation. Hallelujah!
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” —Luke 2:13-14 (KJV)
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. —Luke 2:20 (KJV)
Please comment below on your favorite ideas from the list above and ways you include Christ in Christmas.
I wish everyone a blessed and Merry Christmas!
By: Jenny Stainback
