Christmas is over. Or, is it?
Christmas day is past, the presents are opened, the last sugar cookie has been eaten, but...Christ was born and it changed everything!
The phrase “I love Christmas” is more than an understatement for me. I am the person who is perfectly content listening to Christmas music all year long (I can feel some of you cringe). If I am having a rough day between the months of July and December, I head to Hobby Lobby to walk the Christmas aisles. I love everything about Christmas. I love the lights, music, treats, decorations, trees, family gatherings, cards….are you getting the picture??
But, thank goodness, there is more to Christmas than all of the festive and festivities. We know the true meaning of Christmas is Christ – His birth and coming.
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)
Let’s really let those words sink in. Christmas is more than a day on the calendar or even an entire season of celebration. I believe we have to change our mindset. We can choose to take some time to focus on Christ and His coming throughout the year. We have to make a point to be reminded of the moment God came to Earth as a man. A man who would be the ultimate sacrifice and allow us to have an eternal relationship with God and the Holy Spirit; these things would not have happened if Christ had not been born (i.e. Christmas!!).
So, how do we keep Christmas all year long? Here are a few ideas:
Set an alarm to read Luke 2 once a month.
Put visual reminders up where you will see them – on your bathroom mirror, phone lock screen, by the kitchen sink.
Memorize Scripture and review them regularly! Here's a few to focus on:
Luke 2:11 “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
John 1:14 “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Pick books to read with the kids in your life like The Tale of the Three Trees – books that remind you of the gift of Jesus.
Sure, you can keep Christmas without any of the “extra” tangible Christmas goodness all year long. However, I choose to use those things as reminders of Christ’s birth as well. So, feel free to join me in the Christmas tree aisle come July. I’ll be waiting.
Meet the Author!
Casey Yates is a wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend and speech-language pathologist. Casey loves all things Christmas, British historical fiction, walks, pie and coffee. Lots of coffee.
