As believers, we realize Christmas is about the birth of Christ—not putting up decorations, going to parties, or giving (and receiving) gifts. But it’s easy to lose sight of why this holiday matters. The good news is that it’s not too late to refocus on Christ this Christmas. Here are a few practical ways to do that:
1. Choose to Watch Wholesome Movies
It’s sad that there are so many anti-Christ Christmas movies. Sex scenes, vulgar language, and gruesome violence don’t honor the One this holiday is about. Even some Hallmark Christmas movies are edgy. Unfortunately, several promote homosexual characters and stories.
If you want to focus on what is good, right, and true this Christmas, I have a few recommendations for movies. While they aren’t perfect, the overall messages they send are positive. For Hallmark fans, A Reason for the Season is a great choice. For non-Hallmark fans, I suggest Christmas with The Chosen: Holy Night, Christmas with the Kranks, and The Grinch (2018).
2. Minister to Others
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to play piano for an event at my church. Though I’m not a super talented pianist, I used to take lessons and still play every now and then. Playing piano for this event was a small, simple way to (hopefully) bless those who attended.
If there’s an opportunity for you to minister to others this Christmas, take it! You could make a meal for a family in your community, send a Christmas card to a friend who’s had a hard year, or visit a homebound member of your church. Even the smallest, simplest acts of service can bring honor to Jesus.
3. Find Ways to Worship
Soon after my family moved to Tennessee, we stumbled upon a Christmas concert in the area. It wasn’t a big, showy event, but it was very worshipful. A few weeks ago, we actually got to see the same band at another Christmas concert. Again, it was a worshipful event with beautiful music. The whole concert was about Jesus—His life, death, and resurrection.
If you incorporate worship into your Christmas—whether that means finding a Christmas concert in your area or expanding your Christmas playlist to include worship songs—you can remember (and respond to) everything Jesus has done for you. Though I’m not knocking Christmas songs about finding love, eating cookies, or playing in the snow, they can only bring you so much joy. My hope is that you’ll find great joy this Christmas—which starts with refocusing on Jesus. Merry Christmas!
When they [the magi] saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshipped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:10-11 NASB1995)
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