Christmas is filled with beautiful traditions – decorating, gathering with loved ones, sharing meals, and exchanging gifts. But amid the festivities, it’s easy to let the true reason for the season slip to the background. Christmas is ultimately a celebration of the birth of Jesus, the Saviour of the world.
John 1:14 “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”
This Christmas, let’s make a conscious effort to keep Christ at the centre of our celebrations, allowing His love and presence to be the focus.
Reflecting on the Christmas story
One powerful way to keep Christ at the centre of Christmas is by reflecting on the story of His birth. The accounts in Matthew and Luke tell of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, the humble birth of Jesus, and the shepherds who came to worship.
Luke 2:11 “Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Reading the Christmas story as a family or alone can deepen our appreciation for what Christmas truly represents. Reflecting on God’s love in sending Jesus encourages us to celebrate the holiday with a heart full of gratitude and joy for the gift of salvation.
Celebrating through worship and prayer
Worship and prayer are essential to keeping our focus on Jesus during the holiday season. Setting aside time to worship God, whether through singing carols, reading Scripture, or attending a Christmas service, allows us to honour Him.
Psalm 95:6 “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.”
Prayer is another way to stay connected with Jesus amid the busyness. Taking time to thank God for sending His Son and asking Him to fill our hearts with love, peace, and joy reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas. Through worship and prayer, we align our hearts with the spirit of the season and open ourselves to experience His presence in a deeper way.
Choosing Christ-centred traditions
Many Christmas traditions can be adjusted to focus on Christ. Consider incorporating a Nativity scene into your decorations as a reminder of Jesus’ birth or lighting an Advent wreath to mark the days leading to Christmas. Another meaningful tradition is baking a birthday cake for Jesus, especially if there are children involved – it’s a simple but powerful way to remember that Christmas is a celebration of His birth.
Acts of service can also be a Christ-centred tradition. Jesus came to serve, and by blessing others, we honour His example. Whether it’s helping a neighbour, donating to a charity, or sharing food with someone in need, these acts of kindness keep Christ’s love at the heart of our holiday.
Embracing a heart of gratitude
At Christmas, it’s easy to get caught up in the commercial aspects of the holiday. However, choosing gratitude over consumerism shifts our focus back to Christ.
James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above.”
By recognizing and giving thanks for the blessings we have, we honour God and acknowledge the many ways He cares for us.
One way to cultivate gratitude is by writing down blessings or sharing moments of thankfulness as a family. Taking time to appreciate God’s goodness allows us to celebrate Christmas with joy and humility, focusing on the gift of Jesus rather than on material things.
Sharing the message of Jesus
The best way to keep Christ at the centre of Christmas is by sharing His love with others. Christmas is a season when many people are open to hearing the message of hope, peace, and salvation that Jesus brings.
Matthew 5:16 “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Consider inviting someone to a Christmas service, sharing your faith with a friend, or simply showing Christ’s love through kindness and compassion. When we share the message of Jesus, we keep Him at the heart of Christmas and allow others to experience His love and grace.
Celebrating Christmas with Christ at the centre
Keeping Christ at the centre of Christmas requires intentionality, but it transforms the holiday into a truly meaningful celebration. By reflecting on His birth, worshiping, choosing Christ-centred traditions, practicing gratitude, and sharing His love, we can honour Jesus and experience the fullness of joy that comes from knowing Him.
This Christmas, let’s embrace the true reason for the season, allowing Christ’s presence to fill our hearts and homes. As we keep Him at the centre, we celebrate not only His birth but the incredible gift of His love, which continues to impact our lives each day.