Keeping Christ at the Center of Christmas: Celebrating the True Joy of the Season

As the holiday season unfolds, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of Christmas shopping, decorating, and family gatherings. While these traditions bring joy, they can sometimes overshadow the heart of what we’re celebrating. Christmas is a time to reflect on the profound truth of the gospel: God’s incredible love for us, shown through the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ.

This Christmas, let’s set aside the busyness and focus on worshiping Christ, remembering the wonder of His incarnation, and sharing the hope of the gospel with others. Here are some meaningful ways to keep Jesus at the center of our celebrations.

Christmas is a time to reflect on the profound truth of the gospel:

God’s incredible love for us, shown through the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Reflect on the Incarnation: The Gift of God With Us

The heart of Christmas lies in the truth that God became man in the person of Jesus Christ. John 1:14 tells us, “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” The Son of God humbled Himself to take on human nature, showing His love and grace to a fallen world. This remarkable truth reminds us that Christmas is about God coming near to us, not only as a baby in a manger but as our Savior and King.

Take time as a family to read and reflect on the story of Jesus’s birth in the Gospels, especially the prophecies fulfilled and the humility of His arrival. Meditate on passages like Isaiah 9:6, which points to Jesus as our “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Focusing on the incarnation can deepen our gratitude for God’s gift and anchor our hearts in the purpose of Christmas.

Prioritize Worship and Family Devotions

One way to keep Christ at the center of Christmas is to dedicate time for family worship and devotions. Read Scripture together, pray, and sing hymns or Christmas carols that focus on Christ’s birth. Songs like “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful” are filled with gospel truths and can help center our hearts on the true meaning of the season.

Consider setting up a Christmas devotional leading up to Christmas Day. Advent devotionals, for instance, help build anticipation while keeping Christ the focus. You might read through passages that tell the full story of God’s redemptive plan, from the Old Testament prophecies to the birth of Christ. This can help deepen everyone’s understanding of why Jesus’s birth is such good news.

Serve and Share the Love of Christ with Others

As we celebrate God’s gift to us in Christ, we are reminded that we are called to love and serve others as a reflection of His love. Acts of kindness and service are tangible ways to show the love of Christ to family, neighbors, and even strangers. Consider volunteering as a family, giving to those in need, or simply reaching out to someone who may feel alone during the holidays.

In serving others, we’re given opportunities to share the gospel. 1 Peter 3:15 reminds us to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” As you serve, be open to sharing the hope that Christmas represents. Let others know the reason for your joy and the eternal significance of Christ’s birth.

Explain the Gospel Message in Conversations

Amid the gatherings, gift-giving, and festivities, Christmas can be a natural opportunity to speak about Christ with family and friends. While some may celebrate Christmas without understanding its full meaning, you have the chance to gently and joyfully share the gospel message. Remind others that Christmas is not just a celebration of a historical event but the beginning of God’s plan to redeem humanity.

When sharing, focus on why Jesus came into the world—to save sinners and reconcile us to God. Romans 5:8 beautifully encapsulates this truth: “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Christmas represents God’s love reaching down to a lost world, offering hope, forgiveness, and eternal life.

Celebrate with Joy and Thanksgiving

True joy comes from understanding and embracing the gospel. While earthly traditions and gifts bring temporary happiness, the joy of knowing Christ is eternal. This Christmas, let gratitude fill your heart for God’s amazing gift. Share this joy with your family and reflect together on the blessings that flow from knowing Christ as Savior.

Gather as a family on Christmas Day to give thanks for God’s faithfulness and the grace we receive through Jesus. Taking a moment to express gratitude can refocus our hearts and remind us that all we have is a result of God’s goodness.

Teach Children About Christ’s Love and Purpose

For families with young children, Christmas is a wonderful time to teach them about Jesus’s birth and its significance. Explain the nativity story in ways they can understand and emphasize that Jesus came not just as a baby but as our Savior. Help them see that the joy and excitement of Christmas come from God’s love and plan for redemption.

Using child-friendly nativity sets, storybooks, or hands-on activities can make the story of Jesus’s birth come alive for young ones. Teach them simple truths about God’s love and Jesus’s role as our Savior, planting seeds that can grow into a deeper understanding of the gospel as they mature.

Christmas is a time to celebrate the gospel:

that God, in His infinite love, sent His Son into the world to redeem us.

Christmas is a time to celebrate the gospel: that God, in His infinite love, sent His Son into the world to redeem us. This message is at the heart of the season, reminding us to look beyond the traditions and festivities to the One who is truly worthy of celebration.

This holiday, keep Christ at the center by reflecting on the incarnation, prioritizing worship, serving others, and sharing the gospel. Let the message of Christmas fill you with awe, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to walk in His love. If you or your family would like support in embracing the gospel-centered life, our licensed clinical counselors are committed Christians with a biblical worldview and are happy to meet with you at our offices in Amherst, OH. Please feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment using the link below.

May you experience the deep joy and peace of Christ this season, and may His presence fill your hearts with love and hope.

This content has been created with the assistance of an AI language model and is intended to provide general information. While the content has been reviewed by a staff member, it may not always reflect the latest developments or expert opinions. The content should not be considered as professional or personalized advice. We encourage you to seek professional guidance, preferably from one of our licensed counselors to verify the information independently before making decisions based on this content.  The Word of God is always true.  While we strive for accuracy in our posts, we are not infallible.