It’s officially December and Christmas is right around the corner! While the holidays are often lauded as a time to eat, spend time with loved ones, and get presents, this season is truly about JESUS. The Advent (“Arrival”) season, as this period is also called in the Christian community, is about celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior.
Because we can get caught up in all of the hoopla that comes with this season, we all need a reminder that Jesus should be our focus this December. With that being said, here are five ways that you can reflect and celebrate Jesus this Advent season.
Read and Reflect on Jesus’ Birth in the Book of Luke
While the gospel of Matthew gives a brief summary of Jesus’s birth (and subsequent escape to Egypt with his earthly parents, Mary and Joseph), Luke chapters 1-2 dive deeper. Not only do we see the birth of Jesus, we see the birth of John the Baptist and the foreshadowing of Jesus’ birth to the virgin Mary. Reading the beginning of Luke reminds us of the humble but miraculous birth of our Savior!
Set a Special Time of Prayer and Devotion
While prayer and devotion should be a regular part of a believer’s life, there should be even a stronger focus on it around the Advent season. Jesus Himself took time to pray to God as He prepared Himself for ministry and His crucifixion. For us as believers, this special time during the holidays can center around prayers of gratitude that God sent His Son for us.
In addition to the beginning of Luke, I also suggest reading one of the Gospels — Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. Or all of them if you’re feeling super excited this December. Also, here are a few great Advent prayers for this Christmas season from Christianity.com!
Sing Traditional Hymns or Other Holiday Songs Celebrating Jesus’ Birth
I love music and I especially love music around the holidays. It’s fun to hear different renditions of classics like “Silent Night,” “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” and “Joy to the World.” Singing traditional hymns and other holiday tracks remind us of how God sent Jesus as a baby to eventually die on the cross for our sins.
Personally, one of my favorite gospel jams for Christmas is “Jesus is the Reason for the Season” by Kirk Franklin and The Family. In close second? Mariah Carey‘s “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing/Gloria (In Excelsis Deo)!”
Attend a Special Christmas Eve/Christmas Day Service
Attending church should also be a regular part of a believer’s life (more on that later). BUT for those who may be working their way up to it, there’s no better time to go than around the holidays. Many churches have special Christmas Eve or Christmas Day services to celebrate Jesus’ birth!
It’s a real celebration across the world as we sing praises and give thanks to the Messiah. So look around for a local church where you can celebrate Jesus. You never know…you may find that that church is the right fit for you to start going full-time!
Volunteer or Donate to Local Organizations/Charities
While I personally feel volunteering can and should happen throughout the year, the holidays can be a cold, lonely, and difficult time for a lot of people. As we remember the birth of Jesus and His sacrifice, we can take some time this Advent season to make a few sacrifices of our own. Look for a local organization or charity where you can volunteer some of your time to those less fortunate. Maybe you can even continue to work with them after the holidays!
Celebrating the Advent season as a believer is more than just decorations, food, and gifts. It’s a time of reflection and rejoicing as we remember the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. We can celebrate through several different traditions and events, but the key is to keep Jesus at the center of it all. Remember: He is the true reason for the season!
What’s your favorite way to celebrate Jesus during the holidays?
Imperfectly B 