How to Make the Most of Christmas

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