More on the heart of Christmas

Angie, thanks for sharing. You are the exception to what is fast becoming the “normal” Christmas experience. Just like we discussed a few weeks ago in the “Keeping Christ in Christmas” post, many families end up with the deadly combination of Christmas and Credit Cards being the first step to financial destruction. I thank God that you were able to buck the pressures of an ever increasingly materialistic society. I believe that your blessings for keeping Christ the focus of Christmas are just beginning.

In our AWANA program this week they are doing a little skit on how Christ must share His birthday with Christmas. When I first heard about the skit, I thought it didn’t make sense, but then I quickly realized how true and sad it is that this season has become all about the lights, gifts, shopping and trees. It should be about the birth of our Lord and Savior.

Here are a few more ideas for making this Christmas not only different and memorable, but more Christ centered. Some are original and some are not:

• Bow on your knees in thanksgiving and prayer before you exchange gifts.
• Give a gift of service. This could include coupons for running errands, yard work, car washes, back rubs or household chores.
• Make a gift for someone. From cooking to creating a personal picture album of memories on your computer, the possibilities are endless.
• Give time together. Many people (especially spouses, parents and children) would much rather have an hour or two of undivided attention than anything bought at a store.
• Give God a very special gift from you to Him. This could include a commitment of more devotional time, forgiveness for something wrongly done to you, or maybe just spending one hour in prayer.
• Take your family or group and visit people you don’t even know at a nursing home or children’s hospital.
• Invite friends over for a simple meal and exchange a handmade gift.

In our world today we will never be able to keep Christ the focus of a holiday. We live in a fallen world controlled by Satan. But in our hearts and in our homes Christ can be the center of this season.

Please click on the comment button and let others hear some of your ideas as to how to keep our focus on Christ this Christmas.