Celebrating Christ During the Christmas Season

Christmastime is a time that countless people can't get enough of...

• decorating the Christmas tree and house with a gazillion lights
• chomping on peppermint bark and other yummy Christmas goodies
• listening to Christmas classics while the fake fire crackles on the TV screen 
• watching Elf, Home Alone, A Christmas Story, or some other "Christmas" movie

These are all fun Christmas activities that we might enjoy, but is this what Christmas is about? To help my family remember that Jesus is not only the reason for the season but the reason for life, we celebrate Christ in some unique ways during the Christmas season. Below are some activities you might want to consider during this year's Christmas season!

1. Advent Calendar - We have used a simple Advent calendar to help count down the days to Christmas. When our kiddos were little, they would get super excited to open the window to see a Christmas symbol that we would discuss before saying a prayer.

2. Advent Candles - For many years, we have lit Advent candles on an Advent wreath on the four Sundays preceding Christmas. The fifth candle is a white candle at the center of the wreath known as the Christ candle, and we light it on Christmas Eve. I discuss the symbolism behind the candles and wreath and read Scripture pertaining to Christmas.  

3. Advent Devotional Book - For our family devotions in the evenings, we have watched videos on RightNow Media, talked about the sermons we heard on Sundays, or memorized and discussed Scripture being taught and learned in the classroom.  During December, we typically read Let's Go Straight to Bethlehem by Ray Pritchard. It's a simple read where we retrace the ancient journey to experience the mystery, wonder, and glory of Jesus' birth. 

4. Christmas Eve Service - We have gotten decked out to attend evening services on Christmas Eve. We sing classic Christmas hymns, carefully light candles, hear a Christ-centered sermon, and take family pictures around all the Christmas decor.

5. Jesse Tree - A few years ago, we were gifted with this Jesse Tree. It comes with a devotional book with a reading for the 25 ornaments that are to be hung. Here is a great site that tells you more about the Jesse Tree and how you make this a part of your Christmas traditions. 

What are some ways you celebrate Christ during the Christmas season? I would love to hear from you!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6