7 Ways to Remember the Reason For the Season This Christmas

As the Holiday season is fast approaching, Walmart, Target, and other major retailers have been displaying Christmas decorations for months now. Additionally, it feels like since the beginning of October, TV ads have been circulating promoting extravagant gift-giving, expensive presents, and conversly how to get out of credit card debt, seemingly in anticipation that people will spend beyond their means.

With all the noise and commotion surrounding Christmas, it feels harder than ever to remember the true reason for the season - Jesus Christ. Instead, celebrating Jesus' birth has been overtaken by Santa Claus, gifts, Christmas trees, and Christmas lights. In and of themselves, none of these things are necessarily bad or wrong.

It is wrong, however, when Christ's birth becomes an afterthought instead of the focal point of your Christmas celebration. If you're wondering how to fight through the noise and distractions and have a Christmas centered around Jesus, this article is for you.

7 Ways to Remember the Reason for the Season

1. Provide Support

If you look at the life and legacy of Jesus, He was all about caring for the poor and having mercy on the less fortunate. With that in mind, giving to charity of your choice or donating your time to someone in need is one of the best ways to harness the true spirit of the Christmas season.

While donating or tithing a portion of your income is always a good start, true charity means giving your time and actions. This could mean shoveling a neighbor's driveway, volunteering at a local charity or soup kitchen, or helping out at your local thrift store. The act of putting the needs of others above your own is what Christmas is all about.

2. Remember the Children

Another thing you'll find in God's Word is that Christ Jesus was passionate about helping children. As such, one of the best Christmas traditions you can start in your own family is to donate toys to children whose family can't afford them. This is a wonderful way to teach your children about the joy and importance of giving to others, and it's something they can help out with.

While you can do this on your own as a family and give to those in your local community, you can also take part in Operation Christmas Child. Operation Christmas Child is run by Samaritan's Purse and is a phenomenal ministry.

Basically, you and your kids buy children's toys, games, books, and coloring books. You then pack the goods into a shoebox, hand it off to Samaritan's Purse, and they take it overseas to kids in need. This is one of the best ways to help your children focus on the needs of others and to learn the value of generosity.

3. Read the REAL Christmas Story

No, I'm not referring to Christmas stories about Scrooge, Santa, or the Grinch. The true Christmas story is in the Bible in Luke, chapter 2. While the Gospels of Matthew and Luke both include a story about the birth of Christ, I believe that Luke's version is more comprehensive and makes for a better story for the whole family.

Growing up, every Christmas day or Christmas Eve, my mother, sister, brothers, and I would gather in the living room while my dad read the story about the birth of baby Jesus. Those are some of my favorite memories from Christmases growing up.

I can also tell you with certainty that I have fonder memories of listening to retellings of the Christmas story than I do of any presents I received as a child.

4. Sing Christmas Carols

Granted, going caroling certainly isn't for everyone, especially for families that aren't "musically inclined." However, if you love Christmas music and spreading Christmas cheer, what better way to do it than by singing fun, Christ-centered Christmas carols?

This was commonplace growing up, as my friends and family members would go caroling for widows and elderly people living on their own or in nursing homes. The sheer joy and happiness that would spread across their faces at the notion that someone wanted to spend time with them during Christmas was profoundly impacting.

If you're not into caroling, at the very least, listen to Christ-centered Christmas songs in the days leading up to Christmas.

5. Christmas is More Than a One-Day Thing

If you're serious about wanting to keep Christ in Christmas, it means more than a one-time commitment. Sure, reading the Christmas story is a fun Holiday tradition, as is attending a Christmas service at your local church.

However, unless you encourage everyday Bible reading, year-round and in the days leading up to Christmas, Jesus will quickly become a Christmas-time tradition and not part of your family's daily lives.

6. Participate in a Live Nativity Scene

While setting up your own nativity scene is a great start, it's even better when you and your family can participate in a live nativity scene. If you're not familiar with them, live nativity scenes are where real people and animals portray the night of Christ's birth. From the shepherds meeting the angel to the wise men giving Jesus his first presents, live nativity scenes are fun, educational, and inspirational for the whole family.

7. Talk About Secular Traditions

While you and your family might be able to keep Christ at the center of Christmas right now, it becomes more challenging as your kids get older. Once they start going to school and hanging out with other kids their age, they're bound to hear about more secular holiday traditions.

Therefore, it's a good idea to address those things early. Talk to your kids about everything from Santa Claus to the Grinch to elves and everything in between. Tackling these subjects early will make it easier for your kids to understand them as they grow up.

Final Thoughts

While keeping Christ in Christmas feels like it's getting harder and harder, it's still very possible. It all comes down to how hard you're willing to work to ensure your kids truly understand what it means to celebrate Christmas. Try some of the ideas and tips in this article and spend quality time with your family, it's an attainable goal.

From my family to yours, we wish you a very merry and Christ-Centerd Christmas.