Here’s a few practical tips for focusing on Christ in activities you probably already have planned for December (inspired by this blog):
- Christmas Cards: Add a Scripture and maybe a quote. Use our Advent worksheet for inspiration. Here’s one: Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” and on the back had this quote:
“Because Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor you can talk to him.
Because He is the Mighty God you can surrender all of your life to him.
Because He is the Everlasting Father you can rest in his love.
Because he is the Prince of Peace you can confess your sins and know he is quick to forgive.”
Jared Pickney, The Crossing Church
2. Decorations: Have your main decor be a nativity and read Luke chapter 2 as you put it out. “While decorating, remember that we will always be tempted to decorate our lives with beautiful things that we hope will satisfy us. Christmas is about the birth of the only One who can fulfill our longing hearts.” Paul Tripp
3. Turn on background music: This is an easy one. Simply play Christ-Centered music in your house, while you are working, cooking meals, making cookies, or while driving whether you are running errands or looking at Christmas lights. Here’s a playlist!
4. Wrapping gifts: It’s a lot of fun to grab others and do it together! Talk about how “more than any other gift, God loves to give himself” described in this blog.
5. Add an extra seat to your table: Use this as a reminder of “Who can I invite”. You are probably already having some type of meal or gathering. Who could you invite? There are many people who are lonely during this season, single, live far from relatives, widowed, or orphaned.