21 Ways to Keep Christ in Christmas

Each year in Christian circles there's usually some heated discussion about Christmas. Conversations about how the religious holiday has become too secular, overly centered on shopping, and no longer about Jesus' birth. While most Christians agree with these issues, it can be hard to figure out what to do about it.

How, exactly, are we supposed to put Christ back in Christmas? Especially if you're already knee-deep in decorations, cookie-baking, and struggling to put up the Christmas tree. We've come up with 21 simple things you can do to keep your focus on Jesus - no theology degree required! This is not a mandatory to-do list, but rather a few ideas to remind yourself, your family and your friends about the real reason for the season. It will help you enjoy the holiday on a deeper, more meaningful level.

There are some surprisingly simple ways to honor the holiness of Jesus' birth.

Trim Your Shopping List

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Giving gifts at Christmas can be a beautiful way to remember God's gift of His Son to the world. It's very easy, though, for gift-giving to become an obligation or a competition. Don’t feel that you need to spend excessive amounts to show others that you care about them during this time. It only will make you stressed out, and worry about money rather than spending time on Jesus. Review your list and consider who you most want to give a gift to. You don't have to forget the others on your list, just replace the gift with something that feels appropriate. Maybe a handwritten card, a phone call, or an invitation to spend time together would be a better option.

Forget the Mall

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How much time do you waste trying to fight crowds in the mall, looking for a perfect gift for those you care about? This is just one more thing that takes your focus away from the meaning of the season. Instead of buying standard materialistic gifts, consider looking for gifts that support a Christian charity or give gifts that support a religious or community cause that matters to you. Maybe your local church is selling ornaments to raise money for a worthy cause. This not only saves you time, but makes you feel good about yourself. Whatever you decide to do, just remind yourself that it’s not about what you give someone else, but rather that you showed you cared.

Pray This Christmas Prayer or Find One that Speaks to You

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"The Christmas Prayer" by Robert Louis Stevenson is a great prayer to share this Christmas. If this one doesn’t speak to you, there are other great options you can find online.

Loving Father,

Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake. Amen.