Keeping Christ in Christmas: A Faithful Focus on the True Meaning

Keeping Christ in Christmas seems almost taboo today as the holiday season often sweeps us into a whirlwind of shopping, parties, and endless to-do lists. Amidst this festive chaos, it’s easy to lose sight of the true reason we celebrate: the birth of Jesus Christ. Let’s pause for a moment, reflect on the Bible’s account of Jesus’ birth, and rediscover how to keep Christ at the center of our Christmas celebrations.

One of my biggest pet peeves during this season is seeing people “X” out Christ from Christmas. You simply can’t X Christ out unless you’re trying to show everyone that you don’t even know what Christmas is really about!

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The Original Christmas Story

The story of Jesus’ birth is beautifully recounted in the Bible. In the Gospel of Luke, we learn about Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. The Roman Emperor Augustus ordered a census, and the couple traveled to Joseph’s hometown, despite Mary being heavily pregnant. When they arrived, there was no room at the inn. Mary gave birth to Jesus in a humble stable, laying Him in a manger.

Shepherds nearby were visited by an angel proclaiming,

“I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11, NIV).

The shepherds hurried to find the baby and, upon seeing Him, spread the word about what they witnessed.

Matthew’s Gospel adds another layer to the story. Wise men, or Magi, from the East followed a star to find the child. They brought gifts fit for a king: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These humble beginnings of Jesus’ earthly life show the beauty of God’s plan—He came not in grandeur, but in simplicity and grace.

Lessons from ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the commercialization of Christmas, you’re in good company. Charlie Brown famously struggles with this in the beloved classic, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Frustrated with the superficial focus on decorations and presents, he longs for a deeper meaning. His journey to rediscover the heart of Christmas leads to a touching moment when Linus recites the story of Jesus’ birth from Luke 2:8-14 (NKJV).

⁸ Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.

¹⁰ Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. ¹¹ For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

This simple but profound scene serves as a reminder: Christmas isn’t about the glitz or material things. It’s about celebrating the arrival of our Savior. The film encourages us to strip away distractions and embrace the joy of Christ’s birth.

Why Keeping Christ in Christmas Matters

When we focus on Christ, we experience Christmas in its fullest sense. It’s easy to get caught up in the gift-giving frenzy, elaborate meals, and dazzling decorations. While these can be fun, they pale in comparison to the ultimate gift—Jesus Himself.

The message of Christmas is one of hope, love, and redemption. It reminds us of God’s immense love for us, demonstrated by sending His Son to live among us, ultimately to save us. Keeping Christ in Christmas helps us align our hearts with this divine purpose.

Practical Ways to Keep Christ in Christmas

If you’re wondering how to make Christmas more Christ-centered this year, here are some practical and simple ideas:

1. Read the Nativity Story
   Set aside time with family to read the accounts of Jesus’ birth. Luke 2:1-20 and Matthew 1:18-25 are great starting points. As you read, imagine yourself in the story. How would it feel to witness the angel’s announcement or see the baby in the manger? Reflect on the humility and love demonstrated in these passages.
2. Attend a Christmas Service
   Churches often host special Christmas services or nativity plays. Our church holds a beautiful candlelight service on Christmas Eve. These events can be a powerful way to connect with the spiritual meaning of the holiday. Singing carols and listening to sermons about Jesus’ birth can renew your focus on what truly matters.
3. Serve Others
   One of the best ways to honor Christ is by serving others. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, donate to a food bank, or assemble care packages for those in need. Acts of kindness reflect Jesus’ teachings and spread His love.
4. Incorporate Christ-Centered Decorations
   Nativity scenes are a beautiful reminder of the first Christmas. Display one in your home or even create a DIY version with your family. Other faith-based decorations, like ornaments with Bible verses or crosses, can also help keep Christ at the forefront.

More Ways of Keeping Christ in Christmas

1. Be Intentional with Gifts
   Instead of focusing on expensive or trendy gifts, consider giving meaningful, Christ-centered presents. Books, devotionals, or handmade items reflect the true spirit of giving inspired by God’s ultimate gift.
2. Host a Birthday Party for Jesus
   This idea is especially fun for families with young children. Bake a cake, sing “Happy Birthday,” and talk about why we celebrate His birth. It’s a simple but memorable way to make Christ the focus.
3. Limit Commercial Activities
   Be mindful of how much time you spend shopping or participating in secular holiday events. Instead, prioritize activities that honor Christ, such as prayer, Scripture reading, or spending quality time with loved ones.
4. Watch Faith-Based Christmas Films
   In addition to classics like “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” many Christian films celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Watching these movies is a fun and inspiring tradition.

Reflecting on the True Gift

Christmas is ultimately about God’s greatest gift—Jesus. It’s not about the presents under the tree but the presence of Christ in our lives. When we intentionally focus on Him, we find a deeper, more fulfilling joy.

Think of the shepherds and wise men. They didn’t bring extravagant gifts or attend lavish feasts. They simply sought Jesus and worshiped Him. We can follow their example by setting aside time to seek Jesus during the holiday season.

Connecting with Family Traditions

Family traditions are a wonderful way to weave Christ into your celebrations. Consider starting new ones that focus on faith:

• Advent Devotions: Use an Advent calendar or devotional to prepare your heart for Christmas Day.
• Daily Prayer: Pray as a family, thanking God for sending His Son.
• Christmas Caroling: Sing songs that praise Jesus and share His love with neighbors.
• Acts of Gratitude: Write down things you’re thankful for each day leading up to Christmas.

These practices help create lasting memories while keeping Christ at the center.

Finally – A Season of Joy and Reflection

The holiday season is a time of joy, but it’s also an opportunity for reflection. As we celebrate, let’s remember why we gather with loved ones, exchange gifts, and light up our homes. It’s all because of the Light of the world—Jesus.

Take a cue from Charlie Brown and Linus. Strip away the noise and focus on what truly matters. This Christmas, may we all find time to sit in the stillness of the season, read the story of Jesus’ birth, and feel the wonder of God’s love.

How do you and your family celebrate Christmas?

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