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Christmas is a sacred time for Christians to gather and commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. If you wish to reconnect with the true essence of Christmas, we're here to assist you. This guide will encompass all aspects of celebrating the season with reverence, modesty, and delight. Keep reading to discover the proper way to observe the holiday.
Steps
Comprehend the significance of the date.
Recognize that December 25th isn't the exact date of Jesus' birth. He wasn't born on January 7th either, which is when Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas. It's probable that He was born in September or during the Spring. However, this doesn't negate the celebration of His birth on December 25th. Simply bear this in mind in case anyone challenges your observance of Christmas based on historical accuracy.
Embrace Advent traditions.
Begin the season by embracing the sacred period of Advent. Create or purchase a wreath with plain branches, devoid of decorations. Place four candles within the wreath's corners. Three candles should be purple, while one should be pink. Light the first candle on the initial Sunday of Advent, two on the second Sunday, and so forth. Illuminate the pink candle on the third Sunday of Advent in anticipation of the Messiah's birth.
Enjoy festive melodies.
Set the holiday mood by singing together. Sing Advent carols appropriate for the season, such as 'O Come Divine Messiah' and 'O Come O Come Emmanuel.'
Explore the Nativity narrative.
Engage in the Gospel narrative of Jesus's birth. Whether you choose to read it alone, with your family, or throughout December, immerse yourself in the story of Christmas as it feels right for you.
Attend church services.
Celebrate this special occasion with your community. Make an effort to attend church on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, and if possible, on both days. Consider attending additional services beyond these dates, aiming for at least two more visits during the busy December period. Families and youths can also explore participation in Christmas pageants offered by their church.
Offer prayers.
Connect with the Lord and express gratitude for His blessings. Amidst the holiday rush, take a moment to pray, breathe, and regain clarity. Return to your tasks with a refreshed perspective.
Set up a nativity display.
Set the holiday ambiance with a nativity scene. Choose a prominent location like the mantel to showcase it. Consider adding figures gradually, saving baby Jesus for Christmas Eve. Some even make it a nightly ritual to move baby Jesus closer to the manger as a countdown to Christmas.
Shop for gifts.
Sharing gifts spreads festive joy. Consider the true spirit of Christmas when planning your gift-giving. Opt for meaningful presents over extravagant ones. Encourage family members to participate in a gift exchange or include religious items in children's presents, such as a Bible in their stockings.
Bond with family.
Discuss Christian values with your family during the holiday season. If your older children or teens are unfamiliar with celebrating a Christian Christmas, explain the change to them and other family members. Share why celebrating Christmas for Jesus is meaningful to you in a calm manner.
Offer a prayer of gratitude.
Before meals, gather at the dinner table and give thanks. Express gratitude to the Lord for the food you are about to enjoy and for His coming into the world as our Savior.
Enjoy Christmas hymns.
Opt for religious melodies over secular tunes. Choose traditional carols like 'Silent Night,' 'Joy to the World,' and 'What Child is This?' instead of the usual secular songs like 'Frosty the Snowman' and 'Jingle Bells.'
Extend generosity to others.
Support your favorite charity through donations or volunteer work. Remember the teachings of Christ to love our neighbors and assist them whenever possible.
Share the love.
Embrace the spirit of love and joy. Christmas offers a wonderful opportunity to exemplify the Christian principle of loving your neighbors. Show kindness to your neighbors during the holiday season by offering assistance if needed, exchanging well wishes, sending a card, or even giving a gift.
Helpful Tips
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Consider maintaining the tradition of gift giving, inspired by the Three Wise Men, but avoid excessive extravagance.
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Understanding religion can be challenging, even for adults. Be patient with children who may struggle to comprehend religious concepts.
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Embracing the religious significance of Christmas doesn't require excluding Santa Claus entirely.
- Utilize Santa Claus as a tool to teach children about spiritual principles. For instance, relate Santa's actions to moral outcomes, such as receiving gifts for kindness and facing consequences for misbehavior. Explain that Santa, like God and Jesus, loves all children universally. Additionally, highlight the historical origins of Santa Claus, rooted in the figure of Saint Nicholas of Bari.
Precautions
- Respond graciously to 'Happy Holidays' greetings, appreciating the goodwill behind the message rather than insisting on specific holiday acknowledgments.
- Avoid imposing religious beliefs on others, especially through inappropriate gifts or preachy behavior. Respect others' perspectives without compromising the principle of 'love thy neighbor.'
- Guard against feelings of superiority based on religious observance. Recognize that everyone has the right to celebrate according to their beliefs.
- Exercise caution when using candles, such as those in an Advent wreath, to prevent any potential fire hazards.
