Christmas Traditions

Christmas is called “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” In so many ways, Christmas is wonderful. Full of joy, laughter, family, friends, and I pray - Jesus. He is the Christ of CHRISTmas. Yet, there are so many other “trappings” that go along with Christmas in our culture today. From Santa to Elves, Christmas movies, Decorations, Songs, Ugly Sweaters, Food and more, Christmas can become “The Most Stressful Time of the Year.” Yet none of us wants this for ourselves or for our families. And God doesn’t want this for us. So, how can we experience the true Joy and Peace that Jesus came to bring us at Christmas?

In our Sunday Morning series at church right now, we are talking about Christmas Traditions. We all have traditions that have been passed down to us and that we are passing down to the next generation. Some of these are good and healthy traditions, while others are more cultural and maybe not so healthy. As Christ-followers, we must truly examine why we celebrate Christmas and what children and grandchildren are seeing that we value. If we talk more about the things that culture says Christmas is than what the Bible says Christmas is, then we have a problem. We want to have fun and enjoy the season, but we also want to worship the One for whom the season is supposed to be about.

What are some of the traditions that maybe were passed down to us that we don’t want to keep doing? What are some traditions that maybe we can add to make the Season even more meaningful (and worshipful) for ourselves and for our families? Obviously, church on Christmas Eve is a must. As a follower of Jesus, this is the time to come and adore Him. Making Sundays a priority during December helps ground ourselves in God’s Word as well as our children and our families. Even if our family is not a believer, they will probably go to church if we just invite them. And, tell them this is a priority. Talking with our families about the Christian significance of Christmas trees, Christmas lights, Christmas carols and even why we give gifts at Christmas is something that is important as well. These are beautiful traditions that point us to Jesus.

This could also be the year to add some new traditions. Recently, a friend shared with me about how his wife’s family always bakes a birthday cake for Jesus every year. Growing up, this wasn’t something he had ever done, but now it is such a special tradition that they share with their own children. He said it is such a great teachable moment for our kids that this is not their birthday, but it is Jesus’ birthday that we celebrate. Or, having an Advent calendar. Again, this may not be something that you grew up doing, but it could be a great way to prepare your heart for Jesus’ first coming and for His second coming. Or, reading the Christmas story from Luke 2 (Luke 2:1-20) before opening gifts on Christmas Day. There are others, but just take the time to think through why you do what you do with your family in order to truly celebrate Jesus.

I pray this is your best Christmas yet! I pray you don’t miss Jesus this Christmas. I pray you don’t wake up on December 26 exhausted, but I pray you are able to worship the newborn King and feel His Presence with you. I pray you will embrace the time you have with family and friends and that you pass on what is truly important to you. This Christmas - know you are loved. “A Savior has been born to you.” Luke 2:11. The greatest Gift of all has been given to you - yes, you. So, I encourage you to establish Christmas traditions that truly allow you to worship and celebrate the Christ of CHRISTmas. And, to pass down what is most important to generations to come. I’m praying and grateful for you and your family. Merry Christmas!