Author’s Note: We’ve teamed up with some of our most creative CRBC ladies to give you some fun freebies throughout the month of December. Today’s FREE download is a phone wallpaper designed by Tallie Thompson. Scroll to the bottom of the blog to download & enjoy!
If you know me, you know I love Christmas—I think it’s just in my blood! I was born twelve days before Christmas and almost given the middle name, Noel (which would have been super appropriate!). We were married one week before Christmas and I’ve requested a Christmas carol sung at my funeral, no matter the season. Sometimes I listen to Christmas music in June, and I feel “warm fuzzies” inside when I see the trees and decorations fill the stores in early fall. (I know, I know, that drives some of you crazy!) Friends often ask what I love most about Christmas? Although my go-to answer is, “everything”, I thought I’d try and narrow it down top-ten-style... using Christmas carols, of course!
#10: Deck(ing) the Halls definitely begins the Christmas season.
We pull out the Christmas trees and decorations in November and (much to my children’s dismay) I’ve been known to leave it up until March. Changing our daily surroundings brings a cozy festivity, while our nativities and other decor turn our thoughts toward the true meaning of Christmas over and over. The lights on our tree and on houses everywhere we go remind us that Jesus is the Light of the world.
# 9: Every. single. year. I dream of a White Christmas.
Although waking up to a blanket of snow on December 25th rarely happens in Oklahoma, I welcome the crisp change in the air. Since we have no shortage of short-sleeved days in the sooner state, I bring out scarves, boots, sweaters and all the hot drinks! Chilly temps pull us indoors, as we snuggle up with cozy blankets and watch traditional Christmas movies, with a fire flickering in the fireplace.
#8: Silent Night(s) are without a doubt a “top-ten”, as we welcome quiet evenings at home.
Not that we are especially quiet, but our schedules wind down and we can gather around the table less hurried. Since our children were young, we countdown to Christmas with a daily Advent activity (anything from drinking hot cocoa by the fire or Christmas caroling, to playing a board game or serving others). These activities allow for daily, intentional connecting points and natural, varied ways to give for 25 days.
#7: Bringing Joy to the World!
Maybe it’s just me, but it feels like the world is buzzing with joy during December. Everything from the way strangers wish one another a “Merry Christmas” to the music you hear while shopping, intentional or not, the joy of Jesus is everywhere. December is filled with built-in opportunities to share the joy of Jesus with others, like baking goodies for a neighbor, gathering friends and family together or giving gifts through organizations like Operation Christmas Child, OKC Foster Wishes or Angel Tree.
#6: Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel.
The season is filled with anticipation, as children and adults alike count the days until the 25th. As a family we observe Advent, but more than the anticipation for a day, we anticipate a person: Emmanuel, God with us. This season is filled to the brim with hope as we remember the baby born of a virgin, who will come again as our powerful, reigning King. Remembering the freedom that was born to us in a manger gives me hope in a world that, at times, feel hopeless.
#5: The music of Christmas stirs my heart, as words like, “O, Come All Ye Faithful” call us to worship and adore Jesus.
Songs of the season reminds us of God’s great gift of salvation, a message even a child can grasp, yet as an adult it grows deeper still with meaning. Four Sundays are never enough to sing all my Christmas favorites! (I challenge you to create a Christmas playlist and see if your heart doesn’t feel lighter and more worshipful.)
#4: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus.
Somehow moments spent in the Word seem more special by the light of our Christmas tree, with a warm drink in hand. Using an Advent study is my favorite way to spend time with Jesus, the familiar passages a welcome part of every December. Meditating on His promises draws us near to His heart, making us more able to love those around us like He loves us, somehow making Christmas morning more meaningful to me.
#3: Oh Holy Night, the night of our dear Savior’s birth.
One of my absolute favorite family traditions is the Christmas Eve candlelight service at my church. For 22 years we have gone to the 11 pm service, which means it’s officially Christmas when we drive home. The sweetest moment of the night is closing the service singing Silent Night, a'cappella, by candlelight. There is a sacredness in the room, as we remember that first holy Christmas when Jesus was born.
#2: We Wish You a Merry Christmas!
Christmas morning, the season finale. Thanks to the 11 pm candlelight service the kids sleep in, then we read Luke 2 and exchange gifts with one another. We’ve chosen to give three gifts, plus filled-up stockings, keeping it simple and shopping for meaningful items. The traditional menu of breakfast casserole and cinnamon rolls keeps our bellies full, while our hearts are filled to the brim with joy of Christmas!
#1: Wouldn’t you know, this top-ten list did help me dial into what I love most about Christmas…
It’s the fact that it’s a season, an annual rhythm. From The First Noel (which means, “Merry Christmas”), til I hear the refrains of Auld Lang Syne on New Year's Eve, the entire Christmas season fills my soul with peace, my heart with joy, and my mind with gratitude. It’s like an annual gift to slow down, connect with others and spend this time savoring our Savior. I love the fact that the last 31 days of a calendar year can be lived intentionally. It feels right to pause and reflect before diving head-first into a new year. These December days bring childlike wonder to my heart, year after year.
I want to wish you a very merry Christmas! However you choose to celebrate, I pray this season reminds you of the hope we have, birthed in the tiny package of the Christ-child, our reigning Prince of Peace. This is certainly not a to-do list, simply a prompt to ponder the Christmas season. What about you? How do you celebrate our Savior’s birth?
Meet the Author!
Heather McAnear is a wife, mom, author and speaker with a passion for sharing God's truth to help women understand their uniquely beautiful design and how to use it for God's glory! In fact, Heather hosts the Uniquely Beautiful Stories podcast on iTunes in hopes do just that! She loves teaching young married couples with her husband, homeschooling their three children, traveling the world, enjoying good chocolate and long conversations in coffee shops. CRBC has been her church home for two decades and she is thrilled to be part of the Women's Ministry team, helping women connect with each other and grow in their walk with Jesus!