How to Make the Most of Christmas

Last updated on: December 23, 2015 at 8:25 pm by Scott Slayton

How to Make the Most of Christmas 2015-12-23T20:25:58-05:00 Scott Slayton

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

photo credit: Christmas Wreath via photopin (license)

Every year we hear about “the war on Christmas.” Journalists tell stories of towns taking down their nativity scenes and schools refusing to use the word “Christmas” in their holiday plays. These actions taken by well-meaning employees hoping to avoid offending people and stay out of court do not constitute the real war on Christmas. The greatest war we face each Christmas is the consistent battle to shun commercialism and embrace this remembrance of Jesus’ birth.

The Bible never says, “thou shalt celebrate Christmas,” but in God’s providence the appearance of this holiday on the calendar provides us with a great opportunity as families to connect, learn, worship, and delight. Here are some ways you can make the most out of Christmas Day.

Eat

The family dinner table provides great opportunities to connect as a family. Since the Christmas season is a time to rejoice, feasting around the table is a great way to do that. Have everyone share a great Christmas memory or tell stories, but make this a great time of connecting. Also invite over any families in your church or neighbors who may not have families with whom they can celebrate Christmas. This is a great way to be a blessing to a friend.

Read

We should not let Christmas Day pass by without reading one of the narratives of Jesus’ birth in either Matthew or Luke. One great way to do this is to read it right before opening presents together. This helps to remind your family that we give gifts to each other because God gave us the greatest gift imaginable in his Son.

Sing

Singing together as a family can be uncomfortable if you have never done it before, but overcoming this awkwardness is worth it. The great Christmas carols contain deep truths about the Gospel message in memorable tunes. Our families favorite is “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” which exults in Jesus’ identity and mission.

Pray

Take a few minutes to pray together on Christmas Day. It is entirely appropriate for our prayers to center on thanksgiving to God for his gifts. We may also have burdens we want to unload on the Lord together as a family, but we should especially focus on thanking him together for the gift of Jesus and the life he brings.

Unplug

The technology which keeps us connected to the outside world often keeps us disconnected from the people around us. You have very little reason to be constantly on your phone Christmas Day. Post the family picture on Facebook and then unplug. Take the time to make memories with the people around you.

Enjoy

Christmas brings tidings of comfort and joy, so enjoy it. Rejoice over who God is for you in Jesus and relish a day you don’t have to go to work. If your day is loud and filled with family, be thankful God has blessed you with so many people you can love. Jesus came that we might have life and have it abundantly, so this encourages us to have abundant joy on the day we celebrate his advent.

How else can we enjoy our celebration of Christmas?

Related Posts:
“Why Christmas Needs to Stop Encroaching on Thanksgiving”

For Further Reading:
The Expected One by Scott James
A Meal with Jesus by Tim Chester

Marriage

Parenting

Previous Post

December 22, 2015

My Favorite Books of 2015

Next Post

January 4, 2016 A Letter to My Son

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Bible Books Church Life Marriage Parenting Photos The Ministry Uncategorized

Select a Month August 2021 July 2021 June 2021 February 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 March 2020 July 2019 April 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz