Here we are just a few weeks from Christmas and if you are anything like me, the days are flying by. In the two short weeks since Thanksgiving, there has been Christmas shopping, decorating, planning and parties. In a season that is supposed to be full of joy and cheer, it seems as though we are getting busier and busier as the days get closer and closer to Christmas. If we are not careful, it can be really easy to miss the essence of Christmas. More specifically, without intentionality, we can forget Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas.

I want to take a few minutes to share some thoughts on how we can make sure Jesus is not lost during the busy season. These are in no particular order, but I think if you can grab hold of a one or two of these ideas, they will help us remember Jesus during this season of our lives.

1. Read through one of the Gospels.

Sure, Luke 2 describes the Christmas story, but we can’t stop there. It is important to take time each day to read about the life of Jesus. Explore what He did and how He did it. Look at His interactions with people and the time He took with them. Leave this Christmas season knowing more about the life of Jesus and loving Him more.

2. Model Jesus for others.

Matthew 20:28 says “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…”. There are tons of opportunities to serve others during the Christmas season.
Here are 6 opportunities you have to model Jesus this Christmas Season

• Adopt a family in need
• Give to Toys for Tots
• Serve at Project WARM
• Donate your time to be a Salvation Army bell ringer
• Share your salvation with others
• Invite friends, family, and co-workers to church

3. Worship.

Think about the Christmas songs that get played on secular radio stations this time of year. This is a time where a bunch of songs directly point at the birth of Jesus as the Son of God. Songs like Silent Night, The First Noel, and O Night Divine get a bunch of airplay. Listen to channels that are playing Christmas music and use the songs as an opportunity to spontaneously worship our Savior.

4. Simplify.

Reduce the complications of time and stuff around the season. This may not point you directly to Jesus, but if you reduce the “noise” of the season, it will give you more time and resources to think about Jesus. Honestly, ask yourself “do I really need to go to my 2nd cousin’s mother-in-law’s house this year?” That may be a stretch, but evaluate where you should spend your time. Also look at the number of gifts you are exchanging. Give gifts from your heart not out of obligation.

5. Embrace traditions and memories.

Create memories that last a lifetime. There are many family traditions that bring me joy. For example, my family and I have read the Christmas story for nearly 15 years at my Dad’s home on Christmas day. We do this before we open gifts and it is a great reminder that we have already received the best gift ever! We also have simplified our Christmas decorating this year, but 2 things made it out of storage – a ceramic Christmas tree my mother made some 40 years ago and our nativity set. Both items have an incredible impact and sentimental value for me.

Above all, remember the birth of Jesus and His offer is salvation is the greatest gift you will receive!

Keith is the Director of Spiritual Development. In this role, he directs Vineyard FIT, Vineyard Groups, retreats, conferences, and some events.

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