Keeping Christ in Christmas

The beauty of Christmas isn’t found under the tree but in the heart that makes room for Christ to dwell.

I have said this before, and I will repeat it: this time of year—the Christmas season—is one of my favorites. I have many warm memories of family, friends, and loved ones. And when I write these blogs, you may hear some of the same memories each year because I don’t always remember what I have written before—but it is what is on my heart right now. Forgive me if it seems redundant.

Thankfully, my husband and I both grew up with the tradition of opening gifts on Christmas Eve. I mean, we don’t believe in Santa Claus, so why wait? I know that in many families, this can become controversial because one spouse did it on Christmas Eve and the other did it on Christmas morning. However, for us, there is no controversy in this area.

Our family has also carried the tradition of decorating for Christmas on the Saturday night or Sunday after Thanksgiving. There is nothing like a cold evening with all the regular lights turned off—just the flickering of the firelight and the soft glow of Christmas lights filling the room. And your family all around you. What a joy.

And as I sit there in the quietness, I am reminded of the One—Jesus—Who has made all these things possible. Each life sitting in that room is there only because of Jesus. He is the One who created each person, and He is the only One who can give them salvation. It is a free gift. But how often do we reject that gift of love?

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” — Romans 6:23 (KJV)

I remember one particular Christmas when we had an older couple over for our night of festivities. They were good friends of our parents and had also become good friends of ours. They shared with us later that they had never experienced a Christmas like ours. To us, it seemed normal, but to them, they were blessed beyond measure.

Of course, we exchanged gifts on Christmas Eve. We started around three or four in the afternoon and had a special meal. It has been a tradition to have specific dishes at that meal, and everyone looks forward to it. We spent time visiting and enjoying each other’s company. Once the meal was done and cleaned up, we moved to the living room.

Every year, at this point, we read the Christmas story. At that time, when our children were young, there was a particular book that we always read the story from. Just as a footnote—our children are now adults—but on a recent Christmas Eve, we read from that same book because it brought back such warm memories.

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” — Matthew 1:21 (KJV)

The older couple who joined us that year were so pleased that we were remembering the reason for the season. When we take Christ out of Christmas, it takes away the true meaning. God gave us the gift of Jesus, and it is the most precious gift we could ever receive.

As we moved into opening gifts, the couple was amazed at how calm our children were throughout the process and how patient they were. They were also impressed that our children seemed more excited about the gifts they gave others than the ones they received. Our gift-opening can take some time because we allow only one gift to be opened at a time, so each person takes turns. Although they were young, they loved doing it that way because they were eager to watch someone open the gift they had given.

Although this memory dates back many years, it remains deeply ingrained in my heart. That couple is now resting until Jesus comes, and I am so grateful for the friendship we shared. I’m thankful we could contribute to the joy of their Christmas—sharing not only physical food but also meeting their spiritual and emotional needs.

It reminds me of the gift of Jesus. As we “open” the gift we have received, we should take our time and dig deep to learn more about what has been given so that we can allow it to truly transform us.

“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” — 2 Corinthians 9:15 (KJV)

Many times, I’ve received a practical gift at Christmas, and I have to take time to read the manual to figure out how it all works. It’s the same with the gift of Jesus—we have an Owner’s Manual, the Bible, that teaches us more about His love for us and what He wants to accomplish in our lives.

I want to make sure that I don’t take Christ out of Christmas and allow all the distractions of this world to shove Him out of the picture. I want Him to be at the center of everything in my life and to keep Him ever before me.

“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” — Colossians 3:2 (KJV)

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the precious gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to never lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas. Teach me to keep my focus on You in the midst of all the busyness and traditions. May my words, actions, and celebrations bring honor to You. Let Your love shine through me so that others may see Christ in my life.
In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Action Steps to Keep Christ in Christmas

1. Read the Christmas Story as a Family
   Set aside time on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning to read Luke 2:1–20 aloud. Reflect on the miracle of Christ’s birth together.

2. Give Intentionally
   Before buying or wrapping gifts, pray and ask God to guide your giving. Look for opportunities to bless someone in need or to give from the heart rather than out of obligation.

3. Worship Through Song
   Play Christ-centered Christmas music throughout the season. Sing hymns that focus on the birth of Jesus, like “O Holy Night” or “Silent Night.”

4. Serve Others
   Find a way to serve this Christmas—volunteer, visit a shut-in, or bless a family who may be struggling. Serving reflects the heart of Christ.

5. Simplify and Savor
   Slow down. Light a candle, sit by the tree, and thank God for His presence. Let peace replace pressure and worship replace worry.

Closing Statement

As we gather this Christmas season, may our hearts stay focused on the One who made it all possible—Jesus Christ. Let every twinkle of light, every shared meal, and every act of kindness remind us of His love. For truly, He is the reason for the season.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” — Luke 2:11 (KJV)

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