Keeping Christ in Christmas: A Practical Guide

It is easy to forget the true meaning of Christmas in the hustle and bustle of the seasons. The secular practices can overshadow the religious aspects of the holiday. Somewhere between Santa and Christmas trees, the Nativity story seems to get lost or forgotten. Most of the time, you hear more about Frosty the Snowman than Christ the Savior. This can be a problem for Christians seeking the real meaning of Christmas. It is the time of giving, but it is also the time to remember the one who gave the ultimate gift by making the ultimate sacrifice. Here are some ways to keep the focus of Christmas on the birth of baby Jesus rather than the Grinch's great theft.

Give

Not only will you be spreading the spirit and bringing joy to others, you'll be following in Jesus' footsteps. He is the Savior of the world, but you can be the savior of a battered woman, a child born into poverty, a homeless man, or a family in need. Volunteer at shelters; donate to charities. Do something kind for someone who needs it. Be selfless.

Follow His Example

Jesus Christ was tolerant of others. When he preached, it was to those who wanted to listen. He did not condemn others to damnation, nor did he pass judgment. One of the best ways to practice tolerance at this time of year is to recognize that it has many religious meanings for many different people. Educate yourself about the different religious observances that are observed during winter. Remember that not everyone is Christian, and that is okay. Rather than wishing someone "Merry Christmas" who may in fact be Jewish and not care much about the birth of Jesus, why not use the inclusive "Happy Holidays?" Of course, when speaking to other Christians, you should certainly say "Merry Christmas."

Show the World

Go tell it on the mountain! Share the story with your home decorations. Have a nativity scene on your front lawn. Display one in your home. In France, it is common to have a small nativity set on display in the home. Each night, the wise men grow closer to the stable where Joseph and Mary await the birth. Then on Christmas Eve, baby Jesus is placed into the manger. Pictures of Jesus Christ throughout his life are also good decor.

Read the Story

You will hear it in church if you attend, but why stop there? Find children's book that tell the story in various ways. Read one each night before bedtime. Make it a tradition to read the Biblical version on Christmas Eve.

Tell the Story

Tell the story to your children in your own words. Better yet, have your children tell you the story. Give each the chance to tell the story in their own way. Why not give them some pen and paper and let them write the story down? They could even compose a song or write a poem about it. Let them be creative. Encourage them to draw a picture of the nativity scene as they see it. Proudly display them in your home.

Be in a Nativity Scene

Many church groups act out the story of Jesus birth. I remember at the Southern Baptist church we attended, we did this every year. We set up a whole little town that people could drive through, and we each got our own role. Once, I was the child of the lady at the well, and another time, the innkeepers were my parents. The other church kids and I had fun in these roles, pretending to go to the market for this or that or going to the rock to hear stories told. When we go too cold we could disappear inside for hot cocoa.

Have a Pageant

If it's too cold and snowy where you are, be in a pageant that tells the story of Christ's deliverance unto the world. Or put one on yourself in your home. Children love to role-play. Have them write their own play about the miraculous virgin birth, then put it on for you. Invite a few guests if you like. Don't forget the costumes and props! It's best not to have real livestock, though.

Throw Jesus a Birthday Party

Make him cake, and put a candle on it. Sing him happy birthday, and then blow the candles out. What would Jesus want for his birthday? Make a pledge to do something he might wish for, like to be kind to others. This is good to do just before opening presents. It may seem corny, but it is a great way to remind children of the reason for the season.

Reschedule Santa

As I said before, Santa Clause often overshadows Jesus. Children get so preoccupied wondering what he will bring, then playing with their new treasures. They often forget all about the newborn baby whose birthday is being celebrated. Instead of scrapping Santa altogether, why not reschedule him? You could give presents on New Year's Eve or Day. Why not throw a baby shower a week before Christmas, and open gifts then? That way by the time Christmas Day comes, the novelty of the new toys has worn off just a bit, and the kids can focus more on Jesus' birth. You could also chose to focus on Jesus and being together during the day, and then open your gifts at night after dinner.

Give a Gift to Jesus

Have every family member chose one possession to give away to someone who needs it. It doesn't have to be one of your prized possessions, but at least something you enjoy that you think may give some pleasure to someone else. It is one thing to donate your worn out shirts. It is quite another to donate something you could keep enjoying, but want to share with someone else in the world.

Sing His Praises

Instead of singing secular Christmas songs, try to focus more on ones that are religious in nature. "Jingle Bells" is a fun song, and everyone loves "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer." But, while you're celebrating in song, make sure you to include classics like "Silent Night" and "Away in a Manger." Don't let the meaning of Christmas get lost in disappointment that Frosty has melted.

Turn on the TV

The Grinch makes an appearance on TV every Christmas. Other familiar faces include Rudolph and Tim Allen. While there's nothing wrong with those classic Christmas specials, try to tune into some religious shows, too. Watch movies about Jesus' life or depicting his birth.

Remember Him

Read about Jesus in the Bible and children's books. Refresh yourself on the story of his life as well as his birth. Pay close attention to the example he sets. Discuss as a family how Jesus lived his life and how you as Christians should live. Confess about times during the year when your behavior was not so Christ-like, and vow to do better. Talk about how you should treat others. Above all Jesus valued love. Remember that.

You don't have to give up secular practices to keep Christ in Christmas. You can blend religious and secular practices and beliefs together. You can keep them separate, deciding each has an appropriate place and time. Just be sure that religion, Jesus, and his birth are as big a part of your celebration as Santa, gifts, and evergreen trees. Remember the most important thing, though, is the example Jesus set, the message he delivered, and the gift he gave us. Kindness remains the simplest, easiest, and best way to keep the true spirit of the holiday alive and well.