Focusing on Christ During Christmas- An Advent Guide from Kimberly Anderson
Do you hear those jingle bells? Christmas time is definitely upon us, and I love God showing his reign over all creation during this time of year. Everywhere you look signs are pointing to Christ and his coming. Even nonbelievers sing Christmas carols! It’s truly a highlight of my year.
Christmas has always been a big deal for both my family and Dan. Growing up, my family had to secure our Christmas tree to the wall due to the number of ornaments we hung! There were decorations everywhere; not even the bathroom was spared. Dan’s family celebrated Christmas Day by playing the same Michael W Smith song before opening presents (go to minute 2:09 for the full experience).
(Edit: Justin Lester created an awesome Advent playlist. Click here to check it out!)
Though Dan and I take more of a minimalist approach to decorations, we still celebrate Christmas in very intentional ways with our kids. I’m sharing some of our strategies below…
but one important reminder first: an intentional Christmas begins with you and your own heart.
Do you want to “keep Christ in Christmas?” Stay consistent in the Word, repent for your sin, and stay in joyful fellowship with your tiniest neighbors…your children. Revel in the miracle that your Savior has come to the muck and the mire of this world and your heart, and then act on it! When you’re truly amazed by the love and mercy of our incarnate Christ and his work on your behalf, joy and celebration will flow out of your fingertips. Your children can’t help but catch on and join in the revelries.
You’ll no doubt have many opportunities to keep your focus on Christ. The rolls may burn, your toddler may have a meltdown at Aunt Susie’s house because he got socks for Christmas, and you may completely lose it on your spouse while assembling a bike at 10 PM on Christmas Eve (just me?). Each of these is a sweet reminder that yes, Christ came for exactly this. Hallelujah!
Now, for some fun Advent/Christmas ideas:
My kiddos have always loved Advent Calendars that count down the days leading up to Christmas.
A new one for us this year will be a Jesse Tree devotional based on the same curriculum that we use at Central Kids!
You can use their printable pictures (the same pictures from the God’s Big Story cards) or get the kids involved in coloring the black-and-white version here.
Last year, we took each kid to the dollar tree with $5 to spend on each of their siblings, and they LOVED it. This also allowed us to talk about the gifts Jesus received and the significance they each have.
Pick an evening and let the kids stay up way past their bedtime to have a special treat while driving around looking at Christmas lights. Talk about how Jesus is the Light of the world! John 8:12, John 1:5, John 9:5, Matthew 5:16, Ephesians 5:8, 1 Peter 2:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:5, Psalm 27:1.
We have unique Christmas books that we only pull out with the Christmas decorations. A personal favorite of ours is a book about the real St. Nicholas.
Here’s to celebrating an intentional Christmas together- may we all be astounded by his grace.
Kimberly