It's the Most Busiest Time of the Year
It's the Most Busiest Time of the Year
I think Christmas is the greatest season of the year, but sometimes the pressure to enjoy the holidays is so intense that I can lose the purpose of all the festivities. In the name of building family traditions, I end up too busy to enjoy the moments I have carefully curated for my family. Suddenly the busyness of the season becomes the priority and peace and joy seem like a silly Christmas cliché. And my greatest wish is to "make it" to the finish line of the season.
This year I want to purpose to be different. My desire is to authentically celebrate and reflect on the birth of Christ, and the work He has done in my family. I want this season to be about Jesus and not my wishlist. It's not that our wishlists or parties are wrong, but when they take priority our celebrations can become empty and meaningless. Keeping Christ at the center of the Christmas season brings fulfillment to our celebrations.
In order to do this, we must take a moment to put our traditions aside and reclaim the purpose and posture we should have in this season.
Reclaim the Purpose and Posture
As we work to reclaim purpose this Christmas we must first recognize that God created celebrations. God placed feasts and festivals into the Israelites annual rhythm. These Old Testaments festivals were times of reflection and celebration for God's people. Similarly Christmas is a time to reflect on the work of God through the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus and what it means for us today. The first purpose we must reclaim in Christmas is reflection.
We must also reclaim the posture of this season. Some Old Testament festivals were somber and some were joyous. Jesus' life is one that brings joy and gladness, and this season should be one where we rejoice. Ecclesiastes 9:7 says, "Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do" (ESV). In other words, we should enjoy times of celebrations with a merry heart because we do not need to fear, and through Christ we are already approved of in God's sight. God created us for joy, and we must reclaim a posture of joy in the Christmas season.
So instead of running frantic from event to event and envying the family with the full calendar, let's choose to reflect and enjoy. When we approach Christmas from this perspective, our activities may look different, and peace and joy will fill our homes.
The Reflection and Joy Filter
In theory all of this is great, but what does this look like for our family. Should we get rid of gift giving this year? What about the annual Christmas party? Christmas lights? Santa? The answer to all of this is "maybe."
Throughout the Bible there are various celebrations recorded and all of them included some level of corporate gathering to honor God and worship. Christmas should be no different. In reflecting on the birth and work of Jesus there should be a significant emphasis placed on worship to God. As a family there are several ways we can do this, and I would encourage all of them.
- Church - Don't miss worshipping with your local church throughout the Christmas season. Be there for Sundays, weekdays, and Christmas services as much as possible. Dedicate this time to honoring and celebrating the work of Christ, and worshipping with your local church.
- Family - Set aside times for your family to reflect and worship together. Whether it be through an age-appropriate Advent devotional or a nightly time of prayer and worship.
- Personally - Take time to look through what God has done in your individual life. Write a "Gratitude Page" to list all the things you are grateful for and take time to recognize God's activity in your life.
As we take time to reflect on Jesus with our church, our family, and personally we will gain a new perspective on this season.
But, celebrations are not only about reflection. Old Testament festivals nearly always included a massive feast. Our feasts may not look like those from the Bible times, and they may even include reindeer, but they should be marked by joy that is the result of our reflection on Christ. Before we start throwing away our Christmas decorations, we should recognize that in each family (and each season of life) celebration may look different. As we consider what Christmas should look like in our home this year, consider these thoughts,
- Does the activity honor God?
- Does the activity contain truth?
- Does the activity bring joy to your family?
As I personally reflect on these questions and align some of my favorite family traditions to them, I am reminded of a few thoughts.
- Giving Gifts - We give gifts at Christmas because God shows his love for us through giving his Son. John 3:16 tells us, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son..." (ESV). God gives as a sign of love, so let's give to others as a reminder of that love.
- Christmas Lights and Decor - We decorate and display lights as a reminder of Christ's light and joy. Matthew 5:16 says, "In the same way, let your light shone before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (ESV). We are meant to shine as people, so we can also let our house shine!
- Family Traditions - Serving those in need, Christmas plays, parties, games, and family adventures are all opportunities for joy in the season. Luke 1:14 says, "And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth" (ESV). Our activities should be a reminder of the joy of the birth of Jesus.