How to Help Your Family Keep Jesus at the Center of Christmas

I love everything about the Christmas season! It really is the most wonderful time of year for me and so many others.  But as we know, the focus of Christmas is often anything but Christ.

As Christian men, Christmas provides a unique opportunity for us to lead our families by helping them keep Jesus at the center of our celebrations. The world is filled with distractions and materialism (as we're all very aware) so it's crucial that we help our families intentionally focus on the true reason for the season.

In today's post, we'll discuss three practical steps you can take as the leader of your family to ensure that Jesus remains the central figure this Christmas, helping you create a meaningful and spiritually focused holiday season for you and your family.

3 Ways To Keep Christ in Christmas

1. Set a Christ-Centered Tone: Begin with the Manger

As the spiritual leader of your family, you have the power to set the tone for the Christmas season. In fact, too many of us men take a backseat on these things and leave it to our wives to do the work.  But this shouldn't be the way it goes.

A good place to start is by placing a nativity scene in a prominent place in your home. Years ago, we spent money on a nice nativity set and we bring it out every year as the central piece of our Christmas decorations - and I'm so glad that we did. 

This simple idea serves as a visual reminder of the birth of Jesus and the humble circumstances in which He came into the world. As you assemble the nativity scene with your family this year, share the story of Jesus' birth and its significance. Talk about the different characters in the scene and the setting in which Jesus was born and why He had to come.

Don't have a nativity scene?  Read through the story and simply talk about it before or after you put up your decorations.  That will work too.

2. Daily Devotions as a Family During This Season: Unwrapping the True Gift

Amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, try to carve out time for daily family devotions. Create a special atmosphere by doing some of the following:

• Dimming the lights and lighting candles
• Play some worship music or Christmas music that points to Jesus
• Gather your family together to read passages from the Bible that focus on the birth of Jesus.
• Reflect on the prophetic promises of His coming and the miraculous events surrounding His birth.
• Engage your children (or grandchildren) in discussion by asking questions that encourage them to think about the meaning of Christmas beyond the presents. 

No matter what it is - aim to do something together to focus on Jesus as much as you can!

This practice not only reinforces the spiritual significance of the season but also fosters unique bonding your kids will remember and may open up some genuine conversations.  

Can't make devotions or time like this work each day?  No problem.  Just do the best that you can!  Don't make it legalistic - just do what you can and communicate to them that you'd like to try to meet up as a family more often as a way of honoring Christ this Christmas season.  Just that communication alone will make an impact in your home.

3. Service Projects: Emulating Christ's Love

Lead your family in acts of service that reflect the love and selflessness of Christ.  Talk as a family and try to identify opportunities to give back to your community, church, family members, or others this month.

Next, talk about how Jesus came to serve and give his life as a ransom for us.  Explain how this type of lifestyle is the best way to live like Jesus all year long.

Through these acts of kindness, your family can tangibly demonstrate the love of Christ to others, just as He came to serve and to save. 

Conclusion: Making Jesus the Ultimate Gift

As men who lead our families, it's our responsibility to guide them to keep Jesus as the focal point of Christmas. By setting a Christ-centered tone, engaging in daily devotions, and participating in service projects together, we can ensure that our celebrations reflect the true spirit of the season.

Make this Christmas not just about the presents under the tree, but about the ultimate gift—Jesus Christ, the reason for the season. As we follow these practical steps, we also have a chance of creating lasting traditions that shape the hearts and minds of our loved ones, leaving a legacy of faith that extends far beyond the holiday season.