BGEA: I know you'll say we ought to keep Christ in Christmas, but how can we?

I know Christmas is still weeks away but already I'm dreading it. It's such a busy time for our family, and we always end up spending more than we should. I know you'll probably say we ought to keep Christ in Christmas, but how can we? — Mrs. C.F.

Yes, now is a good time to remind ourselves to keep Christ in Christmas—and not only keep Him there but make Him its center.

After all, Christmas celebrates the most important event in human history: the moment when God stepped out of eternity into time. Think of it! At Christmas, the God who created the whole universe came down from heaven and became a baby—Jesus Christ. As the Bible says, at Christmas, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).

How can you make Christ the center of your Christmas? First, take time each day to pause as a family and thank God for sending His Son into the world. Also take advantage of other opportunities to focus on Him during these weeks (for example, through special concerts or programs in your church or community).

Take time now to plan for the coming weeks. Make a Christmas budget—and stick to it. Plan your time also. Remember: You can't do everything, and if you try you'll only end up frustrated. Don't let the holiday season overwhelm you, but instead let your life be overwhelmed by the wonder of what Christ has done for us.

3 Comments

Sandy says 2.20.2013, 7:17 p.m.

We keep a Nativity scene in a prominent place in our home starting on the first Sunday of Advent, "building" it gradually over the 4 weeks prior to Christmas and leaving it up through Epiphany (the 12th Day of Christmas).

KEN says 1.9.2012, 5:47 p.m.

I don't think we can keep Christ first and participate in everything that goes on at Christmas. There's too worldly stuff going on to give Him the honor that He deserves. We get so caught up in the busy times that we forget the true meaning.

Alicia says 9.19.2010, 11:29 a.m.

Something else that I do to keep Christ at the center of Christmas is to sing Christmas songs...not just sing them, but really SING them. A lot of the old carols are truly worship songs and when you stop to really pay attention to the words, a whole new thing of beauty opens up for you. "Peace on earth and mercy mild--God and sinner reconciled." (Hark the Herald Angels Sing) "Let every heart, prepare Him room." (Joy to the World) etc. I also heard this idea to have an empty manger with a pile of straw next to it. Then, throughout the month, find secret ways to honor God by blessing others. Each time you do a secret good deed, you take a piece of straw and put it in the manger. When Christmas comes, Jesus' manger will be soft or hard, depending on how you've blessed Him that month through blessing others.