Every year, I think about that slogan, "Keep Christ in Christmas," and every year, I say I'm going to do it. But then I get busy and worried about the money we're spending and all the things I have to do, and I end up forgetting it. How can my family keep Christ in Christmas this year? — Mrs. K.C.

One way to keep Christ in Christmas is to keep Christ in every day between now and Christmas. If your mind and heart stay on Him, all the things that make you forget Him will lose their power to distract you.

Take time, therefore, to focus as a family on Christ during these next several weeks. Take time each morning around the breakfast table (or some other time when you are together) to read a passage from the Bible that tells of Christ's coming, and to ask Him to draw you closer to Himself as Christmas approaches. The Bible says, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee" (Isaiah 26:3, KJV).

Then take time to plan your Christmas season. Most of us can't do everything we'd like to do at Christmastime—but we still try, and we end up frustrated and worn out. Set aside special times to entertain or be with family; make lists of the gifts you need to buy; set your budget (and keep to it). Schedule time also for special church services and musical programs that will keep your focus on Christ.

Above all, never lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas: that God loved us so much that He sent His only Son into the world for our salvation. Make Him the center of your life, not just at Christmas but every day of the year.