I remember one of the biggest challenges as a kid was the concept of “waiting” for Christmas. I was so ready for Christmas way before Christmas came around. I remember baking gingerbread cookies and frosting them for Christmas Eve, knowing that it was Santa’s favorite! I couldn’t wait to wake up Christmas morning, noting that the gingerbread cookies were gone and presents were sprinkled around the tree.
What if we could, as adults, have a pure, unadulterated expectation for Christmas? What if we proactively chose to keep Christ the center of our Christmas preparations? Before you get busy doing the things that keep you busy at Christmas, why not add some of these spiritual practices to your Christmas season?
Read- Take time to read the story of Christ’s birth in these days leading up to Christmas. Read through Matthew 1 or Luke 2 and take time to mediate on these words. Read the story with your family and engage in what it must have been like to be Mary, Joseph, the wise men or shepherds. Allow the Christmas story to affect you, really afffect you.
Sing- In the midst of COVID, we can be so stressed and discouraged. It’s affected all of us! When was the last time you just sang out loud? Whether it’s singing with your own music or just going through some old hymns, SING! Let Christmas get your worship on! As you sing along to some of these old Christmas carols, pay close attention to the words. Singing takes your mind off the stressors of our day!
Pray- There are many who need our prayers and support at Christmas. I often think of those who are alone, sick or grieving this Christmas. They not only need our prayers, but encouragement and care. We can pray for those who need to encounter the hope that Jesus comes to bring. Our prayers not only affect others, but they change us!
Read- Take time to read the story of Christ’s birth in these days leading up to Christmas. Read through Matthew 1 or Luke 2 and take time to mediate on these words. Read the story with your family and engage in what it must have been like to be Mary, Joseph, the wise men or shepherds. Allow the Christmas story to affect you, really afffect you.
Sing- In the midst of COVID, we can be so stressed and discouraged. It’s affected all of us! When was the last time you just sang out loud? Whether it’s singing with your own music or just going through some old hymns, SING! Let Christmas get your worship on! As you sing along to some of these old Christmas carols, pay close attention to the words. Singing takes your mind off the stressors of our day!
Pray- There are many who need our prayers and support at Christmas. I often think of those who are alone, sick or grieving this Christmas. They not only need our prayers, but encouragement and care. We can pray for those who need to encounter the hope that Jesus comes to bring. Our prayers not only affect others, but they change us!
Serve- Look for ways to serve people. Serve with the Food Bank. Ask God to show you each day who you might love, serve and care for. Reach out to those that have a need. Work with your church to serve others. Being the hands and feet of Jesus is a beautiful thing!
Reflect- Take time to cozy up on your couch, stare at your Christmas tree and reflect on Jesus being born specifically so that He would one day die for your sins. Invite Jesus to walk with you each day through this special month. Ask Him to make this the best Christmas ever for you. Journal throughout this season and reflect on what Jesus did for you. Appreciate the gift of life itself. Slow down long enough to delight in the beauty of the season.
So, Christmas is 25 days away. What spiritual practices would you like to practice to make this holiday special?
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Reflect- Take time to cozy up on your couch, stare at your Christmas tree and reflect on Jesus being born specifically so that He would one day die for your sins. Invite Jesus to walk with you each day through this special month. Ask Him to make this the best Christmas ever for you. Journal throughout this season and reflect on what Jesus did for you. Appreciate the gift of life itself. Slow down long enough to delight in the beauty of the season.
So, Christmas is 25 days away. What spiritual practices would you like to practice to make this holiday special?
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
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