Last year at this time I was already dreading the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. The consumerism rampant in our society, particularly at this time of year, had left me dreading the inevitable "spending-mountains-of-money-on-people-I-hardly-know-due-to-"holiday obligation"-who-will-look-with-indifference-on-my-gift-anyway" sort of bitterness. I don't think God was pleased with my attitude, and truthfully, neither was I.
As I was putting the decorations away with gladness last year, I determined that this year (and hopefully all others) would be different. I wanted to purpose to put the Christ back into Christmas, and to keep our focus on where it was intended to be -- celebrating the joy and wonder of the gift of our Saviour. Somewhere along the line I discovered a wonderful book which is helping me do just that. It is "Celebrating a Christ-Centered Christmas" by Sharon Jaynes (www.proverbs31.org). In it she gives some wonderful ideas (some old, some new) for helping us, as keepers of our homes, to focus on the more important aspects of this holiday season. Last Saturday morning, Isabelle and I sat on the couch in the early morning hours and enjoyed looking through it. Mommy got out her paper and pen and we began to make lists (Mommy's favorite thing -- just ask my children!). The following are some ideas I gleaned and hope to put into practice this year. Feel free to use these ideas in your home this year. The world, our culture, your family, and your heart will be a better place because of it!
1. Decorate in such a way as to give glory to God -- either through purposeful remembrance of the events that took place so many years ago (keeping the nativity as a focal point), or the bringing to focus the beauty of the season through the display of God's creation (beautiful greenery, candles, and music that all reflect a peace and glory for the blessings God has given). Banish Santa Claus!
2. Be thoughtful about your giving. If the giving aspect of Christmas is keeping you from having a joy-filled spirit, then change it. Give less. Perhaps don't give at all! There are very meaningful ways to acknowledge the Christmas season (even with it's obligatory giving) that don't need to involve the swipe of the credit card. This year, we will be making many homemade gifts, individually and together as a homeschooling project. Homemade gifts are my favorite to receive! I can almost FEEL the love that went into every stitch, clip of paper, letter that was written, or cup of sugar that was added!
3. Choose activities as a family that focus on serving others. Be purposeful and PLAN times to share with others -- either with your time, your talents, your service, and yes -- even your money if you feel led. I believe the greatest gift that we can give to our Lord, Jesus Christ is to love others as He loved them. During the Christmas season, people are more open to receive and hear the story of why we celebrate Christmas. The music, decorations, and everything else prepares their hearts and minds for this. Don't miss any opportunities to be bold in your faith!
4. Finally, purpose in your own heart and mind to keep your priorities simple and straightforward. Christmas time should be a time of joy, of quiet reflection, of beautiful music and words and activities which draw us back to the birth of our Saviour. Endeavor to plan moments each day where you do just that.
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