Don't Miss Christ During Christmas: Suggestions for the Christmas Season

The Christmas Season is officially here! This is honestly my favorite time of year. It is probably one of your favorite times of the year as well. The challenge for all of us as we get into the Christmas Season is to make sure that Christ does not get lost in the season that bears His Name.  It is sadly all too easy to do. We are surrounded by distractions and things that compete for our attention throughout each day. 

My encouragement to us all is to do what is necessary to make sure that Christ is indeed the center of the Christmas Season. Below are some suggestions to help you keep Christ at the center of Christmas. These suggestions, in fact, might well help you focus more on Christ and your walk with Him throughout the year. I hope you'll prayerfully consider doing one, or several or even all of the following fifteen ideas:

1) Go to Bible.com and choose a daily Advent reading plan and start your day off by meditating on the Scripture reading for the day.

2) Thank God daily for the amazing gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, who came to save you. Thank God daily for your salvation!

3) Take a walk around your neighborhood and pray for neighbors. Pray that your neighbors will come to know Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Ask God to open doors for you ro share Jesus and to invite your neighbors to church.

4) Ask everyone in your family to turn off their phones during mealtimes. Focus on being present with one another and being thankful for God's gracious goodness toward you.

5) Make time for family devotions in the evening. Talk about what you read in God's Word earlier that day. Pray together.

6) Detox from your smart phone for a few days, or longer. Take a break from social media and unnecessary texting. 

7) Ask the Lord who He wants you to bless and bless that person anonymously.

8) Make worshipping with the body of Christ a priority each weekend.

9) Take a break from television or whatever screen tends to distract you the most. 

10) Worship with us this Christmas Eve in one of our Christmas Eve Candlelight and Lord's Supper Services. 

11) Read Luke 2:1-20 with your family and pray together before opening gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

12) Say 'no' to overspending on gifts.

13) Do your best to 'leave work at work' so you can be present with family at home.

14) Consider blessing someone who will have a challenging Christmas Season. For example: there are families that drive into town each year so their child can be tested and or treated for their cancer or other serious medical condition. The Ronald McDonald House provides affordable housing for families who will spend their holidays in a less than ideal situation. You can call the house to ask if you and your family (or friends) could provide a meal and company for the families staying at the house. They will give you an opportunity and you'll be a great encouragement to someone! 

15) Give toward the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering this Christmas Season at church. The Lottie Moon Christmas offering supports sending and supporting foreign missions around the globe. 

I pray you have a holy, joyful and wonderful Christmas Season!

Joy to the World!

In Christ, 

Pastor Kevin