Christmas is fast approaching. Have you thought of ways to celebrate it? If not, let me help you.
Here are a few neat ideas on how you can celebrate Christmas – while exalting Christ as you do.
1. Host a Family Dinner
If you have the same culture as I have, every Christmas season becomes a sort of reunion for all loved ones and relatives. Why not take advantage of the holiday season by hosting or organising a family dinner?
You don't have to pay all the necessary expenses: You can ask each family member (or group of families) to bring something to the family dinner. If you don't know how to do it, then think about this:
• God contributed the most important Christmas gift of all: Jesus Christ;
• Mary contributed the vessel in which the Saviour was to be carried in: her womb;
• Joseph contributed protection and support to Mary and Jesus in obedience to God: he committed to stay and become Mary's husband;
• The angels contributed by singing and bringing shepherds to where Jesus was born;
• The wise men contributed gifts that, according to scholars, were used in Jesus' lifetime: gold, myrrh, and frankincense (although they arrived after Jesus was born, and was already out of the stable).
You see? Every aspect of the first Christmas had different personas bringing in something. In the same way, ask your family to bring something. Be it as small as an apple pie, or as huge as a roast turkey, or even something as fun as a song, let your family contribute something that your family will appreciate.
2. Host a Christmas Gift-Giving or Feeding Programme
You can also opt to organise a gift-giving or feeding programme for the homeless and destitute in your area this Christmas. Christ came to give Himself up for us, and as we follow Him it would also be great to give ourselves for the sake of His glory.
Ask your family (especially if you did item #1) or friends for any contribution such as food items or time to help out, then reach out to the needy within your vicinity. Christ loves them too, as much as He loves you. Be a vessel for His glory.
3. Pray Together and Thank God for Jesus and Your Family
God gave all of us the greatest Christmas gift that no money could ever buy – Jesus Christ. Spend time praying to God as a family, thanking Him for Jesus and for each other. You can also pray for each other, too, declaring blessings for each other. Spend your Christmas knowing that God loves all of you, and wants to be exalted in your Christmas celebrations.
Lift Christ Up
In all of these three, don't forget that you can and should share the gospel of God's love. Tell your family that Jesus loves them. If you do #2, tell those whom you reach out to that Christ died for them. All in all, celebrate Christ this Christmas.
