Thursday, December 22, 2011

Putting Christ Back in Christmas

For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
 
 ISAIAH 9:6
 
 I'm sure many of you read the post title and possibly assumed that this would contain a lot of negativity about what Christmas has become in today's society...
Not in the slightest!
 
After reading a publication titled, "50 Ways To Put Christ Back in Christmas" by Vanessa and Deron Snyder, I was completely inspired to share a few ways to help celebrate the Christmas season with your family (especially your kiddos) in this day and age...

During a time of year where we are all contemplating our upcoming resolution, or seeking something to change our lives in a positive way, I think that these are sweet and simple ways to remember the reason for the season.
 
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1. SING HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Christmas is Jesus' birthday. If we sing the song for everybody else on her birthday, why not for Him? You may feel silly at first, but this is what Christmas is really all about. Sing just before the meal, and consider baking a cake in His honor.
Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises.
--Psalms 47:6
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2. HONOR GOD
Think about when you first committed your life to God and how you were willing to do whatever you could to please Him. Maybe it's time to become active in the church, or to start paying your tithes. Take an honest look at your life and identify the areas that need improvement.
But your hearts must be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by His decrees and obey His commands, as at this time.
--I Kings 8:61
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3. WRITE YOUR THANKS TO JESUS
Sit down with your children and make sure everyone has paper and pens. Then have everyone list the reasons why he's thankful Jesus was born. Share your list with each other and hang them in a visible location as a reminder.
Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men.
--Psalms 107:8

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4. READ MATTHEW 5, 6 & 7
Since we're celebrating his birth, we should remember what Jesus taught us with his life. Reading these three chapters -- sometimes referred to as the Christian faith's Magna Charta -- will help us stay focused on Jesus' message of love, compassion and service. This gives us everything we need, in a nutshell.
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
--II Timothy 2:15

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5. RESPECT OTHER RELIGIONS
When the disciples complained about a man who wasn't part of their group, and was driving out demons, Jesus told them not to stop him, because whoever isn't against you is for you. Jesus was never about intolerance. There is good and evil in everyone, whether he's Christian, Muslim or Jew.
I have other sheep who are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.
--John 10:16.
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6. TALK WITH JESUS
You know how you often call someone on her birthday? Use Christmas to give Jesus a call. Even if you talk with Him all year long, this is His birthday, and He deserves an extra special call. Let Him know how you feel about Him, how much you love Him, and that you plan to stay in touch more often.
If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
--II Chronicles 7:14
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7. PRAY FOR SOMEONE
We often try to remember others in our prayers. But this time, pick out someone and devote an entire prayer for their sake. Call upon the Lord for them in every way -- physically, economically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Say a special prayer for those who lost loved ones during the year or experienced some other hardship.
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
--James 5:16.
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8. DESIGN A JESUS BANNER
In November when the holiday season starts to really gear up, design a "Jesus Is The Reason For The Season" banner, or construct some other similar saying. Hang the banner on your front door or some other visible place in your house as a reminder to yourself and others.
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
--Matthew 5:14-16
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9. BE A WITNESS
Christians are supposed to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others. Sometimes we don't, for various reasons, even though there are ample opportunities throughout the year. But if you're ever going to start, Christmas is as good a time as any.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
--Acts 1:8

It is so amazing to me that a simple list can change your perspective and offer a few guidelines to remind you what this time should be about...

Merry Christmas to you all!!

Oh, and Find Your Craft Friday will be taking a break this week!!
We'll see you next Friday!

3 comments:

Andrea @ The Dawley Fam said...

I love this post! The birth of our Savior is always a reason to celebrate and these are great lessons that I can incorporate this year for my husband and I and next year when Gracie is a little old. Have a very Merry Christmas! Andrea

Chaos and Coffee said...

Love, love. Praying you and the fam have a blessed Christmas and the happiest of New Years. XXOO!

Blissfully Burton said...

love these! we are holding our Happy Birthday Jesus party Sunday night. I'm excited about it, but I will be more excited about it once Harper can understand why we're doing it! :)