Make It a Jesus-Centered Christmas

Christmas can be a time of fun with family and friends. Doing activities that you don't get to do throughout the year, and even the busyness of the season can be exciting. Sometimes, though, you have such high expectations for the Christmas season that by the end of it all, you feel let down because things didn’t go as you thought they would.

Why not try something different this year? Instead of only considering how to fill up the time with activities to do or people to see, make a point to spend time with Jesus this Christmas and give Him the gifts that make Him happy.

Here are some ideas of things that you can do this Christmas to make Jesus more a part of your Christmas:

Throughout December keep a simple journal where you log little prayers, positive and uplifting quotes you’ve read, or goals you would like to implement in the coming year.
Take some time each day to praise Jesus using three Christmassy words. (For example, if the words you choose one day are “snow, bauble, and evergreen,” your praise could be, "Jesus, You are the brightest, coolest bauble on the tree of my life. You keep my 'tree' evergreen with Your fluffy, snow-like love.") You can even write these praises in your Christmas journal so that you can go back and read them again later.
Look for a devotional book or a Christmas devotional book that you can read throughout the month. Start or end your day with a short reading from the devotional book to reconnect with Jesus.
Make amends with a friend or family member that you have been struggling to get along with. This isn’t easy, but Christmas is a good time to put issues and grudges aside and work to make things right again.
Pick one friend or neighbor to make a special Christmas treat for and take it to that person. Write a little note of gratitude to that person or tell him or her in person when you deliver the treat what you appreciate about him or her.
Watch a Christmas movie that focuses on the reason behind Christmas, one that includes the story of the first Christmas or that emphasizes the real spirit of Christmas—that of God’s love for mankind, giving unselfishly, and helping others.
When you have a lull in your day, curl up on your bed or on a couch and listen to a couple of Christmas carols. Ponder the lyrics and what they mean to you.

Remember that Christmas is Jesus’ birthday—it’s the time when we celebrate the beginning of His life on earth and the salvation He brought to mankind. Instead of getting lost in the activities of the Christmas season, make a point to enjoy His birthday celebration together with Him. Taking time with Jesus can be a bonus to your Christmas this year. You will be happier and things will flow better because that extra time focused on Jesus will provide you with the strength and joy that you desire.

As you take a little time each day to remember Jesus, you will be keeping Him as the center of your Christmas.

S&S Link: Christian Life and Faith: A Personal Connection with Jesus: Quality Time with Jesus-2a

Authored by Andrea Gianni. Illustrated by Evangeline. Designed by Roy Evans.
Published by My Wonder Studio. Copyright © 2019 by The Family International