“The Top Ten Things You Must Do to Make the Most of Christmas”

Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. It always has been. No doubt this year as I live with my sweetheart, who has such a life-changing illness, I appreciate this Christmas more than ever.  In fact, I have come to appreciate and celebrate every day that the Lord gives us.

One of my Bible college professors often mentioned that he loved hearing the Christmas carols being played at the local stores. Yes, I too love the Christmas music. I love the Christmas lights. I love the Christmas services. I love the Christmas message, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…” (John 3:16).

Some folks just don’t get it. Some become frazzled every year with the amount of gifts to purchase, schedules to keep, and parties to which they feel obligated to go. Some do not get the basic message of Christ, and this is seen in how they explain Christmas to their children. The other night Karen and I enjoyed looking at Christmas lights. I was struck with one of the most confusing things in the entire world. We saw a manger scene and Santa Claus in one setting. Some folks just don’t get it.

Long ago the Apostle Paul wrote the book of the Bible that we know as Colossians. From his writing in Colossians chapter three, I would like to share ten things that are good for us every day of our lives. Especially right now if we would do these things it would change the way we view Christmas. Think of these ten things we must do:

10.  Do be honest with your children and don’t lie to them about who brought the gifts (3:9-10

9.  Do reach out to others. What a great time to remember those that may have less than we do. Don’t look down on people. Rather, reach out to those that may not be expecting to even be noticed (3:11).

8. Do something that expresses compassion. Help your children to be le ss self-focused and more focused on someone who really needs help. This is a great time to help your child learn kindness (3:12a).

7.  Do be on guard for expressions of selfishness. A selfish child may be expressing what he or she has observed in you as a parent. Discontentment and selfishness are encouraged through most advertising. Be on guard for it (3:12b).

6. Do keep the peace of God in spite of the shopping lists, scheduling demands, and the pressures of this busy season (3:15a).

5. Do find many things for which to be thankful.  Encourage thankfulness in your children by teaching them the importance of being thankful, reminding them to say “thank you,” and helping them to write thank you notes immediately (3:15:b).

4. Do read God’s Word daily. On Christmas, be sure to read the Word of God before opening any Christmas gifts (3:16a).

3. Do flood your home with Christmas music. Make sure that the Lord Jesus is uplifted and exalted (3:16b).

2. Do check your heart’s condition. Make sure it is tender before the Lord and filled with His grace (3:16c).

1. Do honor the Lord Jesus in all your Christmas celebrations. Remember that it is His celebration (3:17).

While I speak of these things in the context of Christmas, guess what? These are blessed principles that wise believers do every day!