Friday, 7 December 2012

Preparing for Christmas with Christ

December 3 - 7 - Preparing for Christmas with Christ

 Next Step Devotional Thought

 The Christmas season sparks abounding joy, celebration, and anticipation for a much needed respite at the culmination of what is often a long and strenuous year. However, for many the Christmas season incites its own hustle and bustle, leaving financially strapped parents and families grieving another Christmas without their loved ones more exhausted than before it began.

 Without intentional focus the present buying, party planning, house cleaning, and family traveling can quickly consume the true meaning of this Christmas season, which is Jesus Christ! So how can we prepare for Christmas in a way that keeps Christ at the center? How can we release the frenzy and stress and truly encompass the joy, peace, hope, and  praise brought by the birth of Jesus? 

 Our interviews this week on New Day Cafe addressed how to prepare for Christmas with Christ. Drawing from conversations with our interview guests, here are a few tips to incorporate into your Christmas preparations that can help keep the peace and set the focus on Jesus Christ: 

 1. Keep it Simple

 In a commercialized world it may seem foreign to celebrate Christmas without attending every party, setting up thousands of twinkle lights, and purchasing every gift on your child's "wish list." However, think about the example set by the birth of Jesus Christ. Jesus entered the world in a lowly stable surrounded by cows and goats.You can relieve much of the stress and financial strain of the Christmas season simply by pulling back and focusing on what really matters: time with family, worship of Jesus, resting from the year's labors, giving and serving others. Invite your family and friends over for a meal and worship, read the Christmas story, and let Christ remain the focus!

 2. Take Care of Yourself Physically

 We've all heard about "letting yourself go" during the holidays. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with celebrating over special meals and enjoying Christmas goodies, it is also important to take care of your body during the season. Proper sleep, exercise, and mental respite is much needed when you're frantically finalizing  your Christmas shopping and planning. Rev. George McLaird, author of A Guide to Spiritual Living, shared some great tips for taking care of yourself in our interview this week. Spend some extra time reading a good book, listening to your favorite Christmas Carols, or taking walks in the park with your spouse or children. In order to soak in the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ, we might just need to take some intentional steps to separate ourselves from the world and rest in Him. 

 3. Spend Quality Time with Family

 The Christmas season offers several unique opportunities for families to spend quality time together. Church Christmas productions (such as those at FBC Tuscaloosa, Calvary Baptist, Forest Lake Baptist, and Shades Mountain Baptist), community events (such as The Nutcracker, Symphony Concerts, and Festivals), and community parades all provide fun-filled experiences for the entire family. This week we spoke with Leon Wirth, Executive Director of Youth and Parenting at Focus on the Family, about how to create lasting Christmas traditions with your children. Some great ideas are to use an Advent Calendar, reading a new scripture and learning a new aspect of the Christmas story each day with your children. You could even do an Advent treasure hunt! You can find many more ideas about teaching your children to keep Christ the focus of Christmas at www.thrivingfamily.com 

 4. Serve Others in Need

 One of the best ways to keep Jesus the focus is to serve others (Jesus came to serve!) Have your family adopt a child in need through Samaritan's Purse, adopt a family in need in your church or neighborhood, or even select a local ministry for which you can purchase gifts and needed supplies. Go serve a meal at a local soup kitchen or a community outreach meal at a local shelter. You could write special notes of encouragement to your Pastors. These are all great ways to keep the focus on giving during the holidays, and children love it! What a better way to display Christ's love to the world than by meeting the tangible needs of others. 

 So this Christmas season, make sure that you prepare with Jesus! While it is certainly exciting to give presents, share your prized Christmas cookies at the office, and place the star at the top of your perfect tree, it is even more exciting to share Jesus Christ with a lost and hurting world. 
One final note! Here at Moody Radio South with have special "Christ IS Christmas" decals for your car window! You can call us at (205) 758-7900 or email moodyradiosouth@moody.edu for yours today!
Interview Recaps


Key Scriptures

 Isaiah 9:6 - For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be on his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

 Philippians 4:6-7 - Do not worry about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,  will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

 Zechariah 9:9 - Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey. 

 Luke 2:14 - Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!

 Romans 15:13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. 

 Merry Christmas!

 Melissa Rogers
Moody Radio South 





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