Keeping Christ in Christmas!

Keeping the Christ in Christmas is the best gift of all. It makes for a holiday that is filled with peace, comfort and joy, and meaningful gifts. There are many ways to share the true meaning of Christmas.

By Caryl W. Krueger

Categories: Christmas

During December, families will be busy with the busy-ness of the holidays. And that often results in a tendency to take time off from Bible study, but God never takes "time off." He is always keeping your family safe, happy, and ready to accept the promises spoken of in the Bible.

And, at this most busy time of year, it is your opportunity and your right to heed that important saying: "Put Christ back into Christmas." This is by far the best gift you can give to yourself or anyone on your gift list. What's more, it will lighten the sense of burden in the midst of all the busy-ness, making for a holiday that is truly filled with peace, comfort and joy - filled with the Christ.

Here are some ways you can do this and have fun at the same time. They are in the form of a check list so you can easily note how many you and your youngsters can accomplish. You might want to print the check list and post it on your refrigerator or family bulletin board.

Print Version of Checklist
The print version of the checklist requires Adobe Reader.

1. To start the season, tell the Christmas story or read it from Matthew 2: 1-12 and Luke 2: 1-14. You can do this "round robin style," letting each person tell part of the story. Perhaps you will assemble a nativity set (a crèche or cradle scene) as the story is told.
2. Do something helpful each week without being asked! This shows love!
3. Look at your possessions and find something that's in good shape that you would like to give to someone else. You may want to "adopt" another family and provide food and gifts. If you do this, put a Bible in with the gifts.
4. Say something to promote peace in your family. Have a Peace Dinner and talk about peace as needed in your schools, sports, business, community and in the world.
5. Attend a church service as well as Sunday School each week. Encourage youngsters to speak to older church attendees and wish them a merry Christmas. You may want to include someone who does not have family nearby in your family gathering.
6. Take part in a Christmas Carol Sing. While Rudolph and Santa are cheery songs, be sure that carols with deeper meanings are included. If you don't know the carol, "I heard the bells on Christmas day," find it in a carol book. It is wonderful even just to read the verses.
7. Put a short love note under someone's pillow once a week during this month. It can be as simple as, "With you, everyday is like Christmas."
8. Encourage the family to think about Jesus' life as you all fall asleep on Christmas Eve. See how many of the wonderful things he did you can remember.
9. Christmas night, look up at the stars and think of the star of Bethlehem. And don't forget to sing "O Little Town of Bethlehem."
10. Talk with your family about the real meaning of Christmas -- how every day can feel like Christmas. And remember to listen for angel thoughts! God's messengers are with you every day of the year.