It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Even on this blog, neat little snowflakes fall as you read these words. That’s always been one of my favorite features of WordPress.

But Christmas isn’t about snowflakes, or hot cocoa, or Christmas movies. Not to repeat the cliche, but Christmas truly is about Christ. So how do we make sure we keep Jesus at the center of our holiday celebration? 4 tips:

1. Remember. Simply take time to reflect on who Jesus is. Remember that the Son of God, God Himself, became a baby, a human, to live and die and rise from the grave for us! How incredible is that! Remember that He who knew no sin became sin so we might become the righteousness of God. Remember that the God of the universe took on the humblest of beginnings so we may have the most glorious of endings, in heaven, with Him.
2. Read. Read the Bible. I’m currently reading through Joshua, remembering that victory over sin and evil belongs to God, and that He has called us to be strong and courageous in following Him, just as He did the Israelites. Whether you read through an Advent reading plan or stick with your “normal” Bible reading plan, stay in God’s Word this holiday season.
3. Share the gospel. What better way to honor the Lord who came to save us than to tell someone who hasn’t heard the story? What better way to show that “Jesus is the reason for the season” than to tell someone who is caught up in the rush, the frenzy, and often, the stress, of the Christmas season? We’ll talk more next week about evangelism this time of year, but suffice it to say, this is one way we can honor and enjoy Jesus this Christmas.
4. Go to church. I always enjoy Christmas-themed worship and preaching. For whatever reason, I enjoy walking through the story of Christ’s birth and all of the truth, all of the beauty, there is to grasp in God’s Word with other believers. It is good to gather together and worship the Lord this season. We best fix our eyes on Jesus when we encourage and help each other to do so.

So, are your eyes on Jesus? Are you set on enjoying Him this holiday season? I pray and hope we do so.

Lord, may we enjoy you this Christmas season. May we not neglect the study of your Word. May we not neglect to join together and worship you together. May we not get so caught up in the good gifts of Christmas that we forget the perfect gift of Christmas. May we share the hope we have in you with others this season.

God bless,

Neal E.