How to Remember Jesus on Christmas Morning
Have you been tempted to lose the celebration of Christ’s birth in a swirl of fairy tales and merchandising? Have you trivialized the stunning miracle of God becoming human with toys, tinsel, and trips to the mall in a frenzy for Christmas morning?
You might have started strong with the weekly Advent readings but the tradition and dedication faded as the lists got longer and the days shorter. You are not alone. We have all been there:
- spreading clean sheets on guest beds,
- taping glittered paper edges just right to hide the gift, and
- getting those first pies in the oven.
You haven’t failed.
Here’s an easy, 10-minute idea for Christmas morning. You can still make Christmas memorable and about Jesus.
Gather around the tree as usual. But before the kids tear into the carefully-taped paper, start with the most important gift. Designate a gift drop spot as Jesus’ place.
Guide your family in first honoring Jesus for His willingness to come to earth. Remind them that He came knowing His destiny was a cruel, brutal death.
Read the story in Luke 2:1-21 or Matthew 2:1-12. Point out that those who first worshiped Christ came to Him in faith before He had accomplished anything on earth. It was not because of the miracles He was yet to perform or any gifts He might give. They simply worshiped Him because He had come, as promised. He was the long-awaited Messiah.
God desires that, like the magi and shepherds, we bow before Him and surrender our hearts and lives to Him. Explain to your family that Jesus wants us for Christmas!
Encourage everyone gathered this Christmas morning to again give their hearts to Jesus. Have strips of paper ready for anyone who’d like to write or draw their gift to Jesus. Allow time for them to drop the paper gift in Jesus’ spot.
Save all these letters, notes, and gifts to Jesus as a valuable record of the growing faith in the hearts of each family member. The toys and trinkets will fade but hearts given to Him grow in value to become as Peter said, “more precious than gold” (I Peter 1:7).
We hope you and your family have a wonderful and memorable Christmas!
Barbara and the Ever Thine Home Team