“Charlie Brown, you’re the only person I know who can take a wonderful season like Christmas and turn it into a problem.” –Linus
How many of us have felt like Charlie Brown about Christmas? Creator Charles Schultz was onto something long before it became the reality it is today. The birth of Jesus can easily become more about greed and consumerism. Charlie’s sister, Sally, sums it up pretty nicely when she demands, “All I want is what I have coming to me…all I want is my fair share!”
The birth of Jesus represents the hope of mankind. “Born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord,” the Angel of the Lord proclaimed. I’m not saying it’s wrong to celebrate Christmas with all of the lights and presents. All of that is fun, but don’t miss the true meaning. Here are 6 meaningful ways to celebrate Christmas.
1. Advent Countdown
Use an Advent calendar and small gifts or candy to count down the days of December leading to Christmas Day. You may want to craft an advent countdown of scripture verses that explain to your kids who Jesus is, such as John 3:16. However, a little candy will probably go over well too.
2. Discussion of the Meaning of Christmas
The birth of Jesus is the way to reunification with the God. Without him, we are separated from God. It’s what we sing about in a famous Christmas carol: “Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.” This Christmas season focus on the deep story of Christmas. One way to do this is to hold a family Bible discussion each day during the season. Pick part of the Christmas story and ask your children what they think. You may want to read to them about the journey of Joseph and Mary on the way to Bethlehem. Discuss how our own lives parallel that rocky and dangerous trek but, with the protection and blessing of God in our lives, we will successfully fulfill our purpose.
3. Service
In his words and actions, Jesus stressed over and over the importance to serve. John 13:12–14 says, “When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” Go serve people.
4. A Silent Night
Before the hustle and bustle of Christmas Eve service hits your church, create a time of silent prayer and reflection for your family. Take with you a single candle to light, and be quiet before God in humility and gratitude. Give each member of your family their own candle and keep it completely silent.
5. Reconciliation of Relationships
God came to us in human form to reconcile our relationship with him. His birth, death, and resurrection represent this reconciliation in the person of Jesus. Consider doing the same in your own relationships this Christmas season. Reconcile with and forgive those that have hurt you and, for those that you have hurt, seek forgiveness by sincere apology.
6. Family Prayer
This is the easiest and most purposeful way to celebrate Christmas this year. Lead your family in prayer every night and end with the Lord’s Prayer as we were taught to do by Christ. Have your children recite it with you until they know it. Merry Christmas!
Bonus: Looking for another way to spend time with your family at Christmas? Sit down around the tree and read these 10 free Christmas stories together.
Sound off: How do you plan to celebrate Christmas this year?
Huddle up with the kids and ask, “Why do you think we celebrate Christmas?”