Entering a large grocery store a couple of months ago, I was startled by several large displays near the checkouts and exits.
There, nestled in between the bins of fresh Halloween treats, were stacks of boxed Christmas chocolates and stocking stuffers.
The Christmas season had begun and it wasn't even October.
Sometimes it seems that the gap between Christmas and the rest of the year is getting shorter. The eagerness to get a jump on holiday cheer is purely practical from a retailer's point of view: Stores typically make more than half of their yearly sales during these few short weeks. Shopping has become a pretty substantial part of the North American Christmas tradition.
Yet Christmas is and should be so much more than what we buy. Gifts are fun, both to give and receive, but they are only symbolic of a much greater gift:
"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."(John 3:16)
The love of God came down to earth-now that is something to celebrate!
It's easy to become overwhelmed by the busyness of Christmas. That doesn't mean we have to lose track of the significance of this time of year, or miss out on the opportunities it can present.
Here are some simple ways that you can incorporate the real meaning of Christmas into your family's holiday:
A Savior Has Been Born to You
throw a birthday party for Jesus, complete with birthday cake. This can be particularly meaningful for younger children, as it puts Christ's birth in a context they can relate to.
No Room in the Inn
A favorite Christmas tradition in many families is a re-enactment of the Christmas story. Assign everyone in the family a part, Grandma and Grandpa right down to the newest. Then watch how wonderful it is to see each person-particularly the little ones- begin to explore what the character they are playing might be like, or how they felt about the arrival of the baby Jesus. Include the tradition: Fifteen minutes to make your own costume from anything you can fin in the house.
Glory to God in the Highest
Gather friends and family and go caroling in a wing of your local hospital or seniors' residence. Check with your church or other local churches to see if there are any folks who can't get out of their homes during the holidays and take your caroling to them. Music is a great way to open a door for talking with people about the spiritual context of the holiday season.
Good Will Toward Men
Gift giving is a wonderful way to reflect to each other, God's love for us. this seems particularly true when we are giving of our time and gifts to those in need. Here are just a few examples:
1. Volunteer together (include the grandkids!) - to pack toys and food into hampers that will be delivered to needy families before Christmas or to serve Christmas dinner to the homeless at a downtown mission.
2. Forgo traditional Christmas gifts- make a donation in someone's name rather than giving that person a gift; take a child out to eat at their favorite restaurant and then take them to the toy store where they can choose a gift...for a less fortunate child; band together with friends you might normally buy gifts for and pool your resources instead help a family in need or support a favorite cause.
Good News of Great Joy...
...for all people-Christmas is a time of unusual openness to spiritual things. Jesus is on everyone's lips, whether they know Him or not. There is no greater gift you can give those who have not yet met the Lord than to share with them the good news of the REAL Christmas.
Here is an idea:
Invite your loved one to church-many churches go to great lengths when they plan Christmas services, to reach those who do not yet know Christ. Perhaps there is a musical or play that dramatizes Christ's birth and the meaning of His coming, or a special Christmas carol service. These are not only a great way to spend time celebrating God's grace with the people you care about during the holidays, but a wonderful beginning for a conversation about their spiritual beliefs.
Share the real meaning of Christmas with everyone. Enjoy all the good things Christmas has to offer this year as your celebrate the reason for the season:
"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11)
I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas.
With Love,
"B"
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