Peace Be With You— Enjoying A Christ-Centered Christmas + Free Printable 21 Christmas Journal & Prayer Prompts

(Photo: Unsplash)

It’s not uncommon for us to complain about the holiday season from October through the end of December. Saying things like…

“Christmas has been given mass appeal to commercialization. It’s so secular now,” “it’s materialistic,” we might say.

“It’s all about Santa and shopping, but what about the Savior?”

I agree with these sentiments. After all, Christmas is a time to celebrate Jesus’ birth.

But how do we keep Christ in Christmas when we might be caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday? What with decorating trees, shopping for the perfect gifts, Christmas caroling, and nativity plays, hosting family and friends, baking cookies, and don’t forget about pictures with Santa.

Here, I want to give you ideas and help you reframe your focus so that you can keep Christ as the center of your Christmas activities. And enjoy the holiday in a more peaceful and meaningful way.

Peace Be With You— Enjoying A Christ-Centered Christmas. Instead, I want to show you how Christ can be a part of everything you have planned this season. Click To Tweet

This post is NOT about advising you to give up your holiday traditions or making you feel guilty about enjoying the secular things or commercial parts of the holiday season. I enjoy these things too. It’s also not about adding more things to your already overloaded schedule. Instead, I want to show you how Christ can be a part of everything you have planned this season.

Decorating The Christmas Tree

Usually the centerpiece of your home. The Christmas tree is a great place to showcase Jesus’ birth. You can tell the Christmas story through nativity-themed ornaments. And, as you string the lights, remind your family that Jesus is the world’s light. Then, when you’re putting that star, angel, or yes, even that bow on the top of the tree, think about the night Jesus was born. Tell your children about the star the wise men followed or the angels that announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds. Every time you look at your Christmas tree, you will see Jesus and the joy He brings.

Watching Christmas Movies

The Nativity Story is a popular Christmas movie. But you can even use movies about elves, reindeer, and snowmen to spark conversations about faith, hope, and God’s love at work. So, pop the popcorn, put on your PJs and fuzzy socks, grab your blanket, turn on your favorite streaming service, and enjoy a great family night. 

Shopping & Buying Gifts

God gave us the most precious gift with the birth of Jesus. Giving is how He showed His great love for us (John 3:16). As you shop for gifts, thank God for Jesus. Be grateful for the blessings you’ve received, and yes, even those lessons learned along the way— even the hard ones. Reflect on the love you want to share with your family and friends through your gifts. 

Santa Claus

Even Santa? Why not?! If your family participates in Santa clause— Some do not, you can talk about Christ’s love at work through a man who makes toys and delivers them to children around the world? Show your children God’s love on display. Santa can be used to illustrate how God uses people to bless others. I can’t imagine the Jesus who ate with tax collectors and ministered to Samaritan women would turn away a man who makes toys and delivers them to children. 

Peace Be With You— Enjoying A Christ-Centered Christmas. Keeping Christ in Christmas is not about banning Santa or the commercialization of the season. It’s more about how you live your life than what you buy. The reality is whether… Click To Tweet

Keeping Christ in Christmas is not about banning Santa or the commercialization of the season. It’s more about how you live your life than what you buy. The reality is whether or not you enjoy a peaceful Christ-centered Christmas is up to you. The best way to have a Christ-centered Christmas is to make Him the center of your celebrations.

Recognize and celebrate the love and character of Christ that is present all around. Take every opportunity to remind yourself, your family, and your friends about the season’s true meaning. 

Click on the image to download the 21 Christmas Journal & Prayer Prompts PDF.

Linking up this month with these great Blog Hop Link-Up party hosts  Inspire Me Monday @ Anita’s   Inspire Me Monday  @ Create With Joy    Friendship Friday   Remember Me Monday   #MondayMusings   #TellHisStory   InstaEncouragements   Let’s Have Coffee   #AnythingGoesLinky    Thankful Thursday   Imparting Grace    Grace & Truth   Your The Star    Encouraging Hearts & Home   Hearth & Soul   Sweet Tea & Friends   Grammy’s Grid    #PoCoLo

0


Editor's Picks

Editor's Picks