Keeping Christ in Christmas

Let’s Keep Christ in Christmas

I know, I know, “Let’s Keep Christ in Christmas” is a common, idiomatic phrase, trivialized by pin-on buttons and constant repetition. And I wouldn’t use it, if it just weren’t so true. In all the hustle and bustle and materialism, I find that Jesus is strangely absent from this sacred celebration of His lifesaving incarnation. So this year, I really do want to do a better job of keeping Christ in Christmas.

The True Meaning of Christmas

What is Christmas? The Gospel of Matthew tells us that Jesus at His birth was to be marked with this amazing name, ‘Immanuel.’ In Hebrew, ‘Im’ means ‘With’ and the ‘El’ means God. So literally Jesus is and was the ‘With-Us God.’ His presence in our hearts and lives truly is the best gift of all. He is now, ‘With Us.’

My Confession

Yet, I confess that I am easily distracted from my God by presents and parties, and by people and things. I cook and I clean. I buy and I wrap. I carol and I carpool, such that the sheer busyness of the season – even when I am busy doing wonderful things – strangely carries a weight and a dread. Where is Christ in my Christmas?

My Commitment

So, this year I am doing something different. No more gift exchanges, no more presents under the tree. There will be fewer parties and even fewer cookies. No wrappings, no tinsel, no trappings. This year, the Christmas clutter will be cleared away.

My Celebration

Instead, I have committed to enjoying the ‘With-ness’ of God by spending limitless time with God. I’ll savor the gospel stories and I’ll sing ancient hymns. I’ll pray, and cry, and laugh, and fall on my face in awe. I will worship. Above all else, I will seek Him.

My ‘prayer chair’ is ready. My Bible is open. My heart is hungry. I have invited Christ back into Christmas. Won’t you join me?

PS – I won’t be blogging until the New Year, when I hope to return refreshed, renewed, and revived having been with the ‘With-Us God.’ See you in January.