Christmas and Your Family
A week from today more than 2.4 billion Christians around the world will be celebrating Christmas. An even greater number including non-Christians, will join in the celebration for professional, commercial, and other reasons. The Christmas season is usually very hectic, with all the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations and celebrations. Christmas is a big deal!
Christmas is a celebration of Jesus; and Jesus was born into a family, raised by a family, and nurtured by a family and community (Luke 1:1-40). Your family is an important part of Christmas because your family is important to God. God gave us Christmas so that the family of the world might have something to celebrate (John 3:16)!
As you prepare for Christmas, please remember that Jesus Christ—in whose honor we celebrate—puts a high premium on family relationships. In fact, he expanded the definition of family to include anyone who obeys his Father (Matthew 12:50). Have fun with your immediate family. Remember to check on your extended family using every means available to you. Share what you have with someone else, even if that person is not in your family. Your story could encourage somebody. Your bright smile could brighten someone’s day. Your kind words could bring peace to a troubled soul. Your affirmation or appreciation for others could be a beautiful gift to them and their family.
How are you going to make this Christmas a family event, even if you live alone? One way is to pray for the families of those who lost loved ones due to COVID. Go to the websites of major news organizations and get the name of a COVID victim, and pray for that family. This is one powerful way to make your Christmas a family event.
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” (Hebrews 13:16). As you plan for a safe, family focused Christmas celebration, share the joy, laughter, and love that God has allowed into your life.
Wisdom for this Week
You are a part of your family, and your family is a part of you. Celebrate one another.
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