The most magical time of the year is upon us once again, which for many is also the most full part of our year as we are hustling to one event or another trying to make the most out of the season. But in all of this hustle and bustle, we miss out on some of the most magical things we can be gaining from this time.
The end of the year is a valuable time for many to reflect on their goals for the year and see where they stand. Maybe you didn’t read as many books or save as much money as you had hoped (I’d love to hear from the person who did!). For many of us some of our goals fell to the wayside due to life events throughout our year that may have been unforeseen. The reality for most is our life changed this year in ways we never could not have predicted. Either way, we are likely left reminded of the lack of control that we have over what happens each year. But for those who know Christ, we know who is in control. How well it worked out that final season of the year is celebrating Christmas! That way we can finish out the year doing the most valuable thing we can do—seek Christ. It’s important that we know who He is, for it is by knowing Him that we are changed to be more like Him. With this, I’ve compiled a few practical ways to help us “put Christ back in Christmas!”
- Bible Reading Plan- As I’m writing this, I did a quick search for “Christmas Bible Reading Plans” and was met with more options than I can count! There’s really not a bad choice when it comes to reading the Bible, but I have a plan in the Bible App that I prefer to use so it’s easily accessible on my phone. I’ll link it here. This plan takes you through prophecy of Jesus and the coming of Jesus, as well as bits of His life and ministry.
- Verse Meditation-One of my favorite things to do whether it be this reading plan or another is choose a single verse from my daily reading and meditate on it throughout the day. There are a few different ways that you can make your chosen verse easily accessible, but two things I prefer to do are creating a Bible image within the app and make it your screensaver for that day, or add a notes widget to my phone where I can place the verse. This latter is my preferred option so that I can just copy and paste it in my notes, and it will be on my home page as soon as I unlock my phone. It’s such a great reminder throughout the day to make sure I view things through God’s lens, and not just my own.
- Reflection- I’m sure for many, this year had some major live event(s) that changed your life and maybe even challenged your faith. Consider if your endurance has grown from these events, if you handled them in a Christ-like way, and how you could have handled them better. If you are still reeling from the after-affects of this event or events, ask God to help align your view of these events with His truth instead of your limited view. Maybe you lost a job this year, or maybe even a loved one. Or maybe you added a member to your family. Whatever it is, I’m sure it’s changed your life in one way or another! Take the time to make sure this changed your life in a way that made you more like Christ, and that even in the negative trials of the year, you’ve seen positive growth in your walk with Jesus.
- When considering your goals for next year, first consider your goals for spiritual growth. One goal to achieve this is daily Bible reading (which if you’re following the first point, you’ll already be well on your way forming this habit for the new year!). Another goal and habit that has blessed me tremendously is keeping a prayer journal. It’s amazing to look back on a year ago and see what I prayed for, now knowing how the Lord answered! These kinds of goals are the most important since we aren’t in control of what the year holds, and nothing can benefit you or your family more than you being a godly servant, spouse, and parent. Also take this time to consider how you can serve based on your spiritual gifts. I’ve included a link with information on spiritual gifts here. When God knit you together in the womb, He was intentional about every part of you, including your strengths! Take the time to prayerfully seek out your spiritual gifts, and ask the Lord to provide opportunity for you to do Kingdom work in that capacity.
These are simple and practical ways to make sure our focus truly is on Christ this season, and I pray you make the time to do it! My last encouragement to you is a bit of advice on how to achieve this; slow down! No Christmas carriage ride, light show, concert, or any other event can promise you joy and fulfillment in this season. And with this season comes an exceptional amount of worldly distractions. But let me assure you, nothing will help you glean more from this time of year than faithfully walking in step with your Savior by seeking Him first.
Wishing you a Holy start to your Holidays,
Haley