Archived Messages
Christmas 2008
December 18, 2008
How can Christmas be different for you this year?
Here are ideas for making this Christmas a time you’ll cherish for years to come.
Reconnect. The first Christmas was all about family—the birth of a son to a poor couple from Nazareth.
If you’re close with family members, celebrate that connection! Take time this season to become even closer.
If you’re separated from family, whether by distance or hard feelings, reach out. Span the distance with a phone call. Mend the anger or hurt feelings—before they eat away all that is precious in life.
Simplify. We all know Christmas isn’t about presents. But so often we spend huge amounts of time and money trying to find the perfect gifts for loved ones, to fulfill their every wish so that their Christmas will be special.
Give gifts of the heart. Rather than buying them the latest gizmo or gadget, tell loved ones you care. Listen to others and spend time with them. Toys break and “things” lose their luster, but we treasure long past the new year the memories of special times we’ve shared with loved ones.
This year especially, many people won’t have food or warmth, much less gifts to give. Consider donating time and money to see that people less fortunate than you will know that others care.
Adore. Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, of God who came to earth to be one of us. Sometimes Christmas traditions—parties, presents, trees, decorations—can get in the way of this simple truth.
Join the shepherds and wise men in celebrating Jesus’ coming. Attend a church service, or spend time reflecting on Luke’s beautiful story of Christmas. Invite the Lord into your heart this season.
Reconnect. Simplify. Adore. Make this a season of joy, hope, and peace.