Tis the season to shop for gifts, attend Christmas parties, eat delicious sweets, and enjoy the company of family and friends! This month can be one of the busiest months of the year and we can run ourselves ragged doing all of these things. I know that finals week tends to do that to any of my fellow students. As all of this craziness is swirling around us, we can lose our focus on what matters most, our Savior Jesus Christ. The whole point of celebrating Christmas is just that, to remember Christ and the joy He brought to the world.
So the big question is WHAT are you going to do this Christmas season to make Jesus Christ central? There are a variety of ideas that I have seen people do over the years that really bring the Christmas spirit and place Christ where He belongs in their life.
1) Participate in "Light the World"- every day of the month of December you are invited to do something to serve others and remember Jesus. Sign up for daily texts!
2) Read a chapter of Luke every day of the month. You will end up reading the whole life of Christ by Christmas
3) Participate in the 12 days of Christmas by selecting a family that is struggling in some way (financially, emotionally, physically). Leave a little something on their doorstep the 12 days leading up to Christmas. Ring the door and hide to make it extra fun as a family!
4) Study "The Living Christ"- attempt to memorize it by Christmas.
5) Watch the Bible videos of different events in the life of Christ during your scripture study. Study the stories associated with them to learn more about His character.
6) Every night pray for more faith that Jesus Christ is your Savior. Pray to recognize God's hand more in your life.
7) Each day until Christmas pray to find someone that you can serve. Actively look for a person God might place in your life. By the end of the day if you have not found that person to help, write a simple text of encouragement to someone you care about.
8)During the month of December offer up several hours each week to serve others. Go to family crisis centers, homeless shelters, and other volunteering agencies to offer up your service. You can find service opportunities in your area on the website below.
9) In your daily scripture study leading up to Christmas study under the topic 'Jesus Christ' in the 'Topical Guide.' Write down attributes, Characteristics and actions done by the Savior through out all scripture.
10) Every day write a tender mercy or blessing you saw from God that happened in your life. It can be as simple as "I woke up this morning" or any service others did for you.
I testify that as we place CHRIST back into the word "Christmas," we will feel His love and see His hand more clearly during this Christmas season. Jesus Christ is a real person and He wants to be a part of our lives. The only reason why He was born, died on the cross and was resurrected was so that YOU could find joy in this life and in the eternities. Jesus Christ can heal a broken heart and a hurting soul. Any pain you face currently in life can be lessened as you choose to come closer to Him. Remember, Christ never distances Himself from us, we are the ones that distances ourselves from Him.
Challenge: My invitation is for you to select one of these 10 ways that you can come closer to Christ this Christmas season and I promise you will find more joy in your present moment :)
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