How To Keep Jesus In Christmas

Introduction to “How to Keep Jesus in Christmas”

Christmas is definitely the most wonderful time of year, for many reasons. It is a heartfelt season to enjoy time with family and participate in a variety of popular Christmas traditions. When most people are asked what makes Christmas special, they most often cite things such as Christmas trees and decorations, Christmas movies and music, Christmas Eve, time with family and Christmas shopping. However, they rarely cite the true meaning of Christmas, which is a celebration of the birth of the baby Jesus.

The word Christmas comes from Middle English Cristemasse, which in turn comes from Old English Cristes-messe, literally meaning Christ’s Mass. It is, after all, the “reason for the season”.

Finding a Balance

I’d be the first one to admit that I love most of the secular Christmas traditions. I watch Holiday Inn, White Christmas, and It’s a Wonderful Life every year. I also enjoy both the traditional hymns as well as those old time Christmas songs from Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Andy Williams…and yes, even Elvis. So how do we incorporate Christ without giving up on all of those wonderful Christmas traditions? That is the question I hope to answer with the suggestions below.

How to Keep Jesus in Christmas

Incorporate the Christmas Story into Your Christmas Tradition

Designate a special time to immerse yourself in the Christmas story found in Luke 1:5-56 through 2:1-20. Consider involving your family in reading and discussing this account together, fostering a collective understanding and appreciation of the Christmas narrative.

You could Bible verses in many ways, but I would recommend one of two ways:

Bible reading, either a passage a night throughout the season, or
Reading the entire Christmas story at one reading…say, Christmas Eve

If grandchildren are involved, there are some great children’s books that can be incorporated as well. Here are just a few suggestions:

Use an Advent Calendar with Scripture in it.

“Advent” (meaning “coming” or “arrival”) season of Advent lasts four Sundays leading up to Christmas. Each year, Advent will begin on a Sunday between November 27th and December 3rd. It is used by several Christian denominations to prepare people for the celebration of the birth of Christ.

The advent season looks forward to the coming of Christ at Christmas (advent comes from a word meaning ‘coming’) and is a time of preparation for Christmas. It also looks forward to the Second Coming of Christ.

Using an advent calendar with Scripture will provide you with a daily reminder from Scripture and help you renew your mind as Christmas day approaches.

What Is Advent? The History, Meaning and Traditions

Advent Calendars with Scripture

Here are a few very inexpensive advent calendars to help you celebrate Christmas:

Create a Nativity Scene in Your Home

Placing a Nativity Scene in your home is a wonderful way to put the Christmas story front and center for the holiday season. It is especially effective with children as it gives them a visual to make the birth of Jesus even more real.

If you don’t have one, you can of course buy one at a variety of sources. If you would like to use it as a teaching tool for grandchildren, explore creative DIY options to craft your own Nativity scene, adding a personal touch to your holiday decorations.

Establish a Dedicated Time for Family Devotions on Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning

Prioritize prayer, Bible readings, and discussions about the true meaning of Christmas before delving into the excitement of gift exchanges. This could also include reading your favorite Christmas books or discussing the church sermon, depending upon when you schedule this devotional.

Christmas Traditions that Can Point to Christ

It is of course readily apparent that attendance at a Christmas Eve service is one of the most common family Christmas traditions that “keeps Jesus in Christmas”. You may be surprised to find out how many of our other non-religious Christmas traditions also have an indirect reference to the Christmas story:

Attend a Christmas church service as a family, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the holiday. If circumstances prevent gathering with family, extend an invitation to a friend or neighbor to share in the communal celebration.
Christmas Cards: Incorporate a spiritual message into your Christmas cards, even if you’ve already selected secular designs. Add Bible verses and personal notes to convey the deeper meaning of Christmas and share your faith with those receiving your cards.
Candy Canes: The shepherd’s staff inspired the shape of the candy cane. Shepherds, devoted to their flock, exemplify Jesus as our shepherd, always ready to find and guide us when we are lost.
Christmas Trees: Evergreen trees, commonly adorned during Christmas, retain their greenery throughout the year. This symbolism signifies that Jesus Christ grants us eternal life and power over death, ensuring our everlasting presence with God.
Snowmen: Crafted from white, pure snow, snowmen symbolize the Biblical teaching that Jesus purifies our sins, making them as white as snow, regardless of their scarlet hue.
Stars: Tree toppers often take the form of stars, reminiscent of the star that guided the wise men to Jesus in the stable. This celestial guide serves as a metaphor, encouraging us to follow Jesus by adhering to His commandments, engaging with His holy word, and performing acts of kindness.
Presents: While gift-giving stands as a cherished Christmas tradition, it’s essential to recognize that Jesus represents the ultimate and greatest gift of all. Amidst the festivities, let the exchange of presents serve as a poignant reminder of the extraordinary gift that Jesus is to humanity.

Plan a Goodwill Project for Christmas

There is no better feeling than helping others and sharing the Christmas spirit. Below are a few ideas of how you can help others while not only helping those in need, but teaching others that this truly is a season for giving.

Adopting a single mom and her child, as shared by the author.
Identify opportunities to assist those in need within your community.
This can be home repairs, yard work, or providing essential items for a struggling family.
Working with your church can be a fun way to share this activity with others.
Organize a group Christmas caroling event at a nursing home or children’s hospital. Share the holiday spirit by singing carols and bringing warmth to those who may be isolated during the festive season.

Watch Christ Centered Movies

Watching movies that incorporate the Christmas story can entertain you, provide positive family memories, and build your faith as you ponder the work of our Savior. There are many “christian” movies as well as traditional secular movies that either directly, or indirectly share the Christmas story. Some recommended movies to watch at Christmastime include: The Gospel of John, The Star of Bethlehem, The Greatest Story Ever Told, The Nativity Story, It’s a Wonderful Life and the classic A Charlie Brown Christmas. You can find more ideas in the Other Resources section below.