RiverLife Weekly #36: Celebrating Christmas Meaningfully
Personally, Christmas is my favourite time of the year! Historically, Christmas marks a momentous point in redemptive history. It is God becoming man so that He might give His life as a ransom for many (Isaiah 9:6). It means unto us a Saviour is born (Luke 2:11)!
This will be the first Christmas when everyone is in town. I would like to share some ways we can celebrate Christmas meaningfully. As you consider them, let the Holy Spirit inspire you to think of other creative ways too.
1. Give God one very special gift just from you to Him
Let this be something no one knows about, and let it be a sacrifice (2 Samuel 24:24). Maybe Your gift is to forgive someone you've needed to forgive. Perhaps your gift is to commit yourself to spend time with God daily. Or maybe there is something God has asked you to give up. Make this your most important gift – for the One you love on His birthday.
2. Set aside silent nights to read the Christmas story in Luke 1:5-56 and 2:1-20
The best way to keep Christ in Christmas is to go back to God’s Word and encounter Jesus afresh. Soaking in the life of Christ daily will give you a deeper revelation of the Gospel and the true meaning of Christmas. You can keep a Christmas journal expressing reflections about Jesus throughout the season. Encourage your family and friends to do the same.
3. Bless others with love and goodwill this Christmas
Agape is the pure love of Christ and it means to love others unconditionally. Loving others is what Christmas is all about. Involve your family and see how you can bless someone this Christmas. Invite a family who has been going through a tough time this year, and bless them with warm fellowship, good food and gifts. It’s like welcoming Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus into your home.
4. Come together for family devotion on Christmas Eve
Before gifts are unwrapped or holiday meals consumed, give thanks for God’s gift of Jesus and what this means for each of us personally. Read Scripture aloud and share as a family the meaning of Christmas. Here are two themes and corresponding Scriptures: The Birth of Jesus Foretold (Isaiah 40:1-11); The Visit of the Magi and Shepherds (Matthew 2:1-12). Dedicate the occasion to Jesus.
5. Host a guest at your cell gathering
Invite a friend or a neighbour to join you at your cell gathering. Prayerfully, text a friend: “Christmas is coming, and I thought of you. I was wondering if you would like to join me at a Christmas gathering with some friends from church.”
Have a blessed and worshipful Christmas as we celebrate and exalt Jesus in our midst!
Pastor Ben KC Lee
Personally, Christmas is my favourite time of the year! Historically, Christmas marks a momentous point in redemptive history. It is God becoming man so that He might give His life as a ransom for many (Isaiah 9:6). It means unto us a Saviour is born (Luke 2:11)!
This will be the first Christmas when everyone is in town. I would like to share some ways we can celebrate Christmas meaningfully. As you consider them, let the Holy Spirit inspire you to think of other creative ways too.
1. Give God one very special gift just from you to Him
Let this be something no one knows about, and let it be a sacrifice (2 Samuel 24:24). Maybe Your gift is to forgive someone you've needed to forgive. Perhaps your gift is to commit yourself to spend time with God daily. Or maybe there is something God has asked you to give up. Make this your most important gift – for the One you love on His birthday.
2. Set aside silent nights to read the Christmas story in Luke 1:5-56 and 2:1-20
The best way to keep Christ in Christmas is to go back to God’s Word and encounter Jesus afresh. Soaking in the life of Christ daily will give you a deeper revelation of the Gospel and the true meaning of Christmas. You can keep a Christmas journal expressing reflections about Jesus throughout the season. Encourage your family and friends to do the same.
3. Bless others with love and goodwill this Christmas
Agape is the pure love of Christ and it means to love others unconditionally. Loving others is what Christmas is all about. Involve your family and see how you can bless someone this Christmas. Invite a family who has been going through a tough time this year, and bless them with warm fellowship, good food and gifts. It’s like welcoming Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus into your home.
4. Come together for family devotion on Christmas Eve
Before gifts are unwrapped or holiday meals consumed, give thanks for God’s gift of Jesus and what this means for each of us personally. Read Scripture aloud and share as a family the meaning of Christmas. Here are two themes and corresponding Scriptures: The Birth of Jesus Foretold (Isaiah 40:1-11); The Visit of the Magi and Shepherds (Matthew 2:1-12). Dedicate the occasion to Jesus.
5. Host a guest at your cell gathering
Invite a friend or a neighbour to join you at your cell gathering. Prayerfully, text a friend: “Christmas is coming, and I thought of you. I was wondering if you would like to join me at a Christmas gathering with some friends from church.”
Have a blessed and worshipful Christmas as we celebrate and exalt Jesus in our midst!
Pastor Ben KC Lee
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