3 Ways to Keep Christ at the Center of Christmas

However, it can quickly become overwhelming as we try to go through each box, finish each calendar, and read each book. I hate to admit it, but in the last few years, floundering to keep up, I stopped trying altogether. This year, we are still choosing to put out all the resources, but instead of trying to complete them all, we are each picking one verse to meditate on this season.

There are five people in our family; each person picks a verse and shares it. It doesn’t have to be Scripture that speaks specifically to Advent or the Christmas story, but one that helps us to stay focused on Christ. Choosing one verse allows us to focus our energy and is manageable, guaranteeing we will stick with it throughout the month.

I read an article last year about a family who decided to go without presents and Christmas celebrations and opted instead to purchase gifts and serve others during the holiday season. Many people will pluck an angel from a tree with a child’s wish list, plop some change into a red bucket, or place a toy or toy in a box this Christmas. Others might adopt a child from a school, fill a family’s Christmas needs, or serve a meal at a local shelter. But at what cost to us?

What was so unique and awe-inspiring to me was that this family didn’t give their time and money out of abundance but sacrificed their Christmas for others. It’s terrific for us to help those in need, especially during the holiday season, but how often do I give because I know that my wants and desires will still be met? For me, this tends to be the case.

I am not as eager when I have to give at a cost to me. My family has not chosen to follow the path of the one above, but I hope that eventually, we can get there, at least some version of forgoing gifts or giving up our Christmas mornings to serve others. When we think about ways we sacrifice for those around us to meet the physical needs of our communities, we can’t think about Jesus, and He meets our spiritual needs.

Jesus sacrificed His life so that we, undeserving sinners, can have eternal life. Salvation is a gift to us, but it cost Jesus His life. Keeping this at the forefront of our thoughts and hiding this truth deep in our hearts will drive us to keep Christ at the center of Christmas all year round.

Photo credit: ©GettyImages/maximkabb

Laura Bailey is an author and Bible teacher who encourages others to understand what they believe, why it matters, and how to apply biblical truths to their lives. Laura holds a certificate in Biblical Women's Studies from SEBTS and serves as a workplace chaplain and the director of women’s ministries at her church. She is the author of multiple books and Bible studies; her most recent one on Habakkuk explores Habakkuk’s message of hope Amid Uncertainty. She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and 3 daughters.  She attends Macedonia Baptist Church, where she is the director of Women’s Ministry and teaches Bible studies weekly.  Learn more about her ministry and her books: www.LauraRBailey.com connect on Facebook and Instagram.