Keep Christ in Christmas

I’ve hear the statement “keep Christ in Christmas” a lot of times.  Have you ever stopped to wonder – How do I do that?

Perhaps it means allowing the character and love of Christ to shine through you to others each and every day. Think about some practical applications that you can do during the weeks preceding Christmas.  Here’s some ideas I came up with …

Give God a gift – something personal.  Perhaps let it be a sacrifice. It could be as simple as to forgive someone.  Maybe it is a commitment to spend time with God daily. 

Take some time this Christmas to read the Christmas story.  Think through the real meaning. Think about the story from different perspectives.  How did Joseph feel?  How did Mary feel?  There’s a great movie out - “The Nativity Story”.  Get a copy and watch it.  It will make you think of things you never thought of before.

Set a nativity scene up in your home  and give it a place of prominence.  Put it somewhere that you will see it daily and remember what it stands for.

Think about someone who needs help this time of year and reach out to them.  Perhaps donate a toy to Toys for Tots.  Donate food to a food pantry.  Is there an elderly person who you could volunteer to do some home repairs, snow shoveling, leaf raking, etc.  Is there someone who is ill and could use a home cooked meal? How about going caroling at a nursing home or children’s hospital?

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”  (Acts 20:35)  Give an unexpected gift to someone you work with.  Demonstrate to them the love of Christ. 

Send Christmas cards to friends and family BUT choose your cards carefully and make sure they have a Christian message.  Make sure they say “Merry Christmas.”  If all you can get is Happy Holidays then write your own message in it. 

Find a church service to attend.  A lot of churches have special Christmas eve services. 

I’d welcome some ideas from you….

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