Don't Let It Be 'Just Another Christmas'

In this Christmas UPGRADE, Dawn Wilson asks us to pause to be sure we're thinking straight.

Another Christmas. Another opportunity to remember the birth of Christ and why He came.

We don't want it to be "just another Christmas."

And we don't want to jumble it up in our minds with other beautiful-but-lesser things.

Some time ago, Stephen Colbert joked about the mish-mash of Christmas hoopla in his wacky, "Just Another Christmas Song." Although he wrote it to make money and "help the Colbert Children eat," for me, the song also describes the confusion surrounding the holiday. As Colbert sang, "The manger's on fire, the holly's aglow; Hear the baby Jesus cryin' 'Ho, Ho, Ho'."

No, no, NO!

Christmas is a sweet time of blessing with families. Christmas is joy and feasting and all the holiday trimmings. But Christmas—at least as it's been celebrated for many years by Christians in the United States—is supposed to center on Christ.

Let's not confuse Santa with the One who created and sustains all things and holds them together! (Hebrews 1:3a; Colossians 1:16-17).

Jesus came, doing the will of His Father (John 6:38), which included many things:

• He came to redeem us from sin and back to Himself (Titus 2:14; John 3:16-17).
• He was born to be a ransom for us (Matthew 20:28).
• He came because we were hopeless sinners and desperately needed a Savior (1 Timothy 1:15; Luke 19:10; Mark 2:17).
• He came to be light in the world and lead us out of darkness (John 12:46).
• He came to give us abundant life (John 10:10).

There are many other reasons why Jesus came, and as we think about the love and grace of God toward us, we can celebrate His coming with fresh enthusiasm each year!

Let's not let the beauty and truth of Christmas get tossed away and forgotten like torn and discarded wrapping paper. 

In the joy of the celebrating with loved ones, let's take plenty of pauses in our busy holiday to thank God for the Amazing Grace of Christmas!

How will you insure that this isn't "just another Christmas" this year? Maybe you would like to join me in singing this Hillsong version of "O Come Let Us Adore Him."

Yes, Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning.

Jesus, to Thee be all Glory giv'n.

Word of the Father, Now in flesh appearing. ...

O come, let us adore Him—Christ, the Lord. 

 Dawn Wilson, founder and President of Heart Choices Today, is the creator of three blogs: Heart Choices Today, LOL with God (with Pam Farrel), and Upgrade with Dawn. She is the Director of the San Diego chapter of Network of Evangelical Women in MInistry (NEWIM San Diego). Dawn is the co-author of LOL with God and contributed "The Blessing Basket" in It's a God Thing. She and her husband Bob have two grown, married sons,

Ready or Not ... Here It Comes!

One of Cynthia Ruchti's goals in life is to hem people's lives with hope. In this thoughtful Christmas UPGRADE, she encourages us to prepare our hearts for the true, hope-filled meaning of this special day.

“I watched the TV show with fascination as the hungry, curious crowd waited out in the cold for hours for the restaurant makeover to be complete," Cynthia says. "But that’s not Christmas. It comes whether we’re ready or not.”

I (Dawn) must admit, it took me a long time to get ready for Christmas this year. Oh, I readied all the "fixin's" of the holiday, but in the rush ... 

I wonder if I've taken enough time to prepare my heart. 

Cynthia Ruchti continues . . . 

It feels as raw as a bitter December wind, but the sting comes from its inescapable truth. Ready or not, Christmas is coming.

I’ve aged out of my earlier years of Christmas frenzy—two or three cookie exchanges, an endless stream of events and holiday parties that often butted up against one another, the perfect holiday centerpiece/gift/tree/decorations/meal ....

I used to make handcrafted cards for all 140 homes on my Christmas card list, while caring for young children, serving at church, writing for radio, and making homemade gifts for the neighbors.

In some ways, I felt a little like Mary’s birthing coach as Christmas neared, begging her, “Don’t push! I’m not ready!”

I’ve trimmed all but the essential and most meaningful from that overcrowded list of Christmas preparations.

My heart had no opportunity to ready itself for Christmas when my mind was engaged in readying everything else.

The heart that wants to be truly prepared for Christmas in­cludes on the calendar only projects, activities, and special events cleared through, approved by, introduced by God.

A new opportunity is added only when there is clear confir­mation that participation will draw us closer to the heart of Christmas rather than pull us farther away from it, from Him.

Some who are now taking a different approach to filling (or trim­ming) their holiday schedules suggest we ask our­selves questions like these:  

• Will I be doing this out of a sense of obligation to other people or out of love for Jesus?
• Will my relationships with my family be strengthened or ham­pered and strained if I partici­pate?
• What will it cost them? What’s the ROI ("return on my investment") of time and energy?
• Can I miss this activity or oppor­tunity without serious consequences or a sense of loss?
• Am I convinced that it will strengthen my spiritual stamina?

Des­criptive of Christ’s birth, these familiar words also serve as guidelines for us in our spiritual preparations:

“Keeping watch over their flock..." (Luke 2:8b).

In other words, not neglecting the needs of our “flock”—our families. 

“Good tidings of great joy...” (Luke 2:10).

This is not losing sight of the truth that, ex­cept for His resurrection, the birth of Jesus is the highpoint in all of history. 

“Born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord...”(Luke 2:11).

 We realize His coming takes on very personal significance.

“Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us" (Luke 2:15).

We go straight to "Bethlehem," bypassing some of the social activ­ities and so-called obliga­tions of the moment. 

“But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).

What would happen this Christmas if we spent less time scurrying and more time “ponder­ing”? 

A cherished Christmas song says,

“Let every heart prepare Him room.”

What activity or obligation are you intentionally trimming from your list this year so your heart can be better prepared? Ready or not, here He comes!

Cynthia Ruchti tells stories hemmed in hopt through her award-winning novels, novellas, devotionals and nonfiction, and also through speaking events for women and writers. She and her husband live in the heart of Wisconsin, not far from their three children and five grandchildren. Connect with Cynthia at hemmedin hope.com and look for her new Christmas novella, An Endless Christmas.

Graphic adapted, Nativity crib, from Pixabay.

How to Have a Happier Family Christmas

Arlene Pellicane is all about the "happy" things in life—true joy that comes from knowing Jesus. In this Christmas and Parenting UPGRADE, she suggests five ways to enjoy the wonders of Christmas with our families.

"Sparkling eyes. Belly laughter. Soft giggles. These are just some of the joys of having a child in the house who is anticipating Christmas," Arlene says. "We have three children in elementary school. I remember when our youngest was a preschooler. She would sing 'Jingle Bells' but re-invent the words each time around. She loved running to the Christmas tree to be the first one to switch on the lights. And of course, when shopping, she would point to a toy and exclaim, 'Put THAT on my Christmas list!'"

It's been a long time since I (Dawn) had two little boys running around at Christmas, but do I ever remember the fun! Now, with three granddaughters, I feel like the fun started all over again. And I'm always looking for things to expand the joy!

Arlene continues . . .

I think Christmas is magnificent when seen through miniature eyes. Instead of focusing on to-do lists, baking and shopping, kids are searching for wonder. They’re looking for little surprises in stockings, brightly colored homes at night, and Christmas decorations on trees.      

The best thing we can do as parents is take all of this wonder and anticipation and point it toward the pinnacle of the Christmas season:  the birth of Christ. 

Before you put an activity on the calendar, ask yourself, “How does the time spent here magnify the Christ child?” That question may help you trim down your calendar in order to enjoy a calmer, Christ-centered family Christmas.

Make space for contemplation so you can follow Mary’s example in Luke 2:19:

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”    

Here are a few simple ideas to help you make Christmas a happier time for your children and grandchildren. As you have these experiences together, you too will enjoy the wonder of Christmas. 

1. Go to a little train or carousel in the shopping mall or park. 

Then add this musical twist. Give your child a bell to ring while she rides. Tell your child that Christ’s coming is worth announcing (like with a bell!). The other holiday riders should find it very festive and smile with approval. If not, just take the bells away after the ride is over and walk away quickly!

2. Take a walk around your neighborhood in search of Christmas lights. 

It’s fun to bundle up and have an adventure right past your doorstep. Vote on which house is the best overall, most creative, and personal favorite. Talk as you walk about how Jesus is the light of the world and how the light shines through the darkness.

3. Make or buy photo ornaments. 

Put your child’s picture in it and date the back. Any child gets a kick out of seeing his photograph on the tree. Cup your child’s face in your hands and say, “Jesus sees you on our Christmas tree, and He can see you every day, wherever you are!”

Add a new photo ornament each year and watch how your children grow, right on your Christmas tree.

4. Have a birthday party for Jesus.

Invite your family and maybe even a handful of friends. Read the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke and have the kids act out the different parts. Use scarves and coats to dress as shepherds, Mary and Joseph. A doll or stuffed animal makes a fine baby Jesus.

Enjoy a birthday cake for baby Jesus and celebrate His birth, the best birthday of all.

5. Create a hot chocolate bar with toppings. 

Stuck at home one night? Make the most of it with a hot chocolate extravaganza. Use whatever you have on hand for toppings: whipped cream, ice cream, sprinkles, cinnamon or chocolate chips. This point won’t be lost on your child: Jesus makes life sweet!

As you make special memories with your family, your children will understand that Christmas truly is the most wonderful time of the year. Fill your calendar with meaningful activities that will reach out to others.

When your family has something to look forward to that honors Christ, the season will come alive with joy.  

 What’s something you have done as a family that has worked really well to celebrate Christmas? 

Arlene Pellicane is a speaker and author of books including 31 Days to Becoming a Happy Mom and Growing Up Social: Raising Relational Kids in a Screen-Driven World (co-authored with Gary Chapman).  Arlene has been featured on the Today Show, Family Life Today, Focus on the Family, K-LOVE, and Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah. Visit Arlene at www.ArlenePellicane.com for free family resources including a monthly Happy Home podcast. 

Upgrading Your 'Pinterest Perfect' Christmas Season

Morgan Farr is a young, highly-motivated wife and mom and her passion to help women build physical, emotional and spiritual strength makes me smile. In this unique Christmas UPGRADE, Morgan shares a personal story that changed her perspective.

Morgan says, "As a new mom and a recovering perfectionist, I was in search of a 'Pinterest perfect' Christmas season until God reminded me of what really matters."

I (Dawn) have felt that pressure to be "perfect" at Christmas. Haven't you? That pressure does not make for peace! Thank the Lord, there's a better way.

Morgan continues . . .  

Normally, Christmas is a beautiful time. The music, the juxtaposition of the red and green—it just gives a warm and delicious feeling.

This time last year was an especially beautiful time of the year for me because our first son, William, was born. It was such a sweet and lovely time.

But this year is a little different. I recently learned:

God will humble us exactly where we need it—even during the holiday seasons.  

Let me set the stage for you. I am currently 20 weeks pregnant with our second son, Henry, and I have been experiencing some morning sickness.

Recently, I was getting ready for my group of ladies to come to my home for Bible study and some holiday festivities.

Now, I should clarify that I like for my home to be spotless when the ladies arrive. I color coordinate for the season we are in, I have coffee and tea available, and I always have some kind of little snack for the ladies as well.

On this particular morning, my son needed a diaper change. As I changed him, I got hit with a horrible bout of morning sickness. I left my son clean but naked on the floor as I ran to the sink to be sick.

I didn’t quite make it.

Instead I was sick on my son, on the floor, on part of the wall and the snacks that I made for my ladies.

My son proceeded to play in the mess, and then grab onto my leg with his dirty little hand. So my outfit was ruined, the snacks were ruined, and my son was crawling around the house naked smearing vomit on the floor. My husband came downstairs to help and all I could get out was a strained, “catch the baby!”  

My friends were so understanding when they arrived, yet I was irritated I had ruined our holiday festivities. And that is when God humbled me. He used this gross little episode to teach me what is important in the holiday season. Yes, God used morning sickness and a toddler to teach me the meaning of Christmas.

This is what I learned: 

1) We have to recognize that it is all about Jesus.

The Christmas season isn’t about the wrapping paper. It doesn’t matter that I have a beautiful centerpiece on my table if I let people leave our Christmas party without the knowledge that Jesus is their Savior. Without Him, they are bound for hell (Matthew 25:46).

The Christmas story isn’t awesome because of the story itself, but rather for the story that follows 33 years later when that little baby grew up and died on the cross for us.    

2) We have to recognize that it can’t be perfect. 

Until we are reunited with God in heaven, nothing here can be perfect.

Jesus was born in a manger, and it's not the pretty scenes you see in yards during the holiday season. He spent his first two years in Egypt hiding from Herod who wanted to kill him. Not pretty.

No amount of red, green, and gold at the holiday season will cover up the reality that we live in a world of sin, and this world is temporary (2 Corinthians 4:18).

3) We have to recognize that God loves us anyway.

God doesn’t love us because we are perfect. The fact is, we aren’t.

God loves us because of what His one and only Son did for us (Galatians 1:4). When Christ died and rose from the dead, He defeated Satan and his evil plans for the world. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, we have been invited into the Kingdom as a child of God.

Oh, how much He loves us!

God used a toddler, morning sickness and a Bible study to remind me of the point of this holiday season.

What about you? What things do you need to let go of to keep focused on Jesus during this holiday season?

Morgan Farr is an Army wife currently stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, with her wonderful husband Brian. They currently have two children, one-year-old William, and Henry, who they will welcome in April. Morgan is a homemaker who dedicates her free time to ministering to other Army wives through Bible studies, one-on-one interactions and physical training. She writes about her transition out of feminism and into biblical womanhood on her blog, The Forgiven Former Feminist. You can find her thoughts on fitness, health and training programs on her other blog,  Farr Functional Fitness.  

Graphic adapted from a photo at Pixabay.

Christmas Ministry That Makes Jesus Smile: Part 2

Yesterday, Dawn Wilson shared six creative ways to make Jesus smile as we think about Christmas ministry and outreach. In Part 2, here are four more ways to think outside the gift-wrapped box.

7. Share gift coupons.

Many fast food restaurants have inexpensive books of coupons. These can be purchased in bulk and kept in the car's glove compartment to share with the homeless or others in need. Clip them to a Christmas tract or New Testament.

Some beauty salons and barber shops offer coupons for free haircuts for the needy. What other kinds of gift coupons can you find to purchase and share?

8. Prepare Ziploc® Gift Bags ... or Purses.

The Bible tells us to be wise and prepared, not foolish and lazy (Proverbs 6:6-8).

When we are prepared to minister, God will give us opportunities.

Store some gift bags in your car for the homeless. Things that will be helpful to them to take care of themselves (new toothbrush and toothpaste, hand sanitizer, etc.). Add a couple of food bars and a tract or New Testament.

One variation on this is to purchase used-but-good purses at thrift stores and use them to store helpful items in your car trunk. (Since these are for women, add sanitary supplies.

I once had a young mom in a parking lot beg me (with tears) for sanitary supplies. We chatted as I walked her into the store to buy a good supply of them and was shocked when she told me she was using old ripped-up clothing she found in a dumpster!)

9. Relieve Some Christmas Fatigue.

Be alert to ways you can ease some stress in Jesus' name.

Offer a night or two of free childcare to a weary single mom so she can go Christmas shopping ... or just take a nap! Take a young mom or low-income widow (or widower) a ready-to-cook meal or two for their freezer. 

If you can afford it, ladies, give your pastor's wife or another church staff member's wife a visit to a spa! Christmastime can be super stressful on minister's wives. (If you can really afford it - go with her! You may need some relief too!)

Think about how God has comforted you in stresses and hurting times, and consider how you can extend the same kind of comfort to others (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

10. Offer your expertise.

Use what you know!

• If you are a hairdresser, consider offering free haircuts to the homeless or the needy.
• Handymen can offer one hour of "fixing" things around the house to widows at their church.
• An auto mechanic might tweak someone's car.
• An organizer could help a "messie" get organized for the holidays.

Opportunities are directly linked to your God-given gifts, and your learned skills or expertise.

Consider this question: "What is in your hand?"

It's a question God challenged me with one Christmas season: "What's in your hand, Dawn? What is right in front of you that you can use for My glory?" It's a question God asked Moses (Exodus 4:2) to get him to notice what the Lord might use to perform miracles!

For Moses, it was his simple, everyday shepherd's staff. For me, it was my pen and computer. As a writer, I ended up helping a (writing-challenged) Christian friend write her Christmas newsletter that year. And a couple of times, I've helped a friend by researching a topic for a biblical presentation to use at her Christmas tea.

Whatever God has blessed you with, consider how He might want you to use it to bless others during the holiday.

What is in your hand?

Do you have other ideas for Christmas ministry that would make Jesus smile?

Dawn Wilson, founder and President of Heart Choices Today, is the creator of three blogs: Heart Choices Today, LOL with God(with Pam Farrel), and Upgrade with Dawn. She is the Director of the San Diego chapter of Network of Evangelical Women in MInistry (NEWIM San Diego). Dawn is the co-author of LOL with God and contributed "The Blessing Basket" in It's a God Thing. She and her husband Bob have two grown, married sons, three granddaughters and a rascally maltipoo, Roscoe.

Graphic adapted, image courtesy of tiverylucky at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.