The house is decorated, the presents bought {but not yet wrapped, of course} and we’ve managed to complete most of our daily Advent devotional. Christmas is just a few days away and we’re experiencing a mixture of exhaustion and excitement as we anticipate the celebration of our Savior’s birth. Do you feel it? That combination of weariness and wonder? Yeah, me too. It’s the norm for most of us.
We fill our homes and our lives all throughout the holiday season and by the time Christmas Day rolls around, we’ve got no room left and nothing left to give. So here we are and we have a decision to make. . .trudge our way through to New Year’s Day or instead, bow down low beside the humble bed of our baby King and focus our eyes and our hearts on the wonder of his presence.
This week, I’m choosing to slow down and bow down and focus our family on Jesus so we don’t miss out on the beauty of the miracle we’ve been preparing for all month long. Here are a few ways we’re keeping our focus on Jesus this week as we prepare for his birthday. . .
Creative Ways to Keep Jesus in Focus this Christmas
Invite him in. We leave cookies for Santa and set a beautiful table for guests but what token of hospitality can we offer Christ? Talk as a family about ways you can invite Jesus to his party and create an atmosphere that welcomes the guest of honor. Set a place at the table for him or make an invitation that expresses how much you long for his presence. In the midst of busy schedules and gifts galore, purpose to stop and invite Jesus to his celebration this year.
Prepare a gift. I think of the little drummer boy, offering a simple Pa Rum Pum Pum Pum on his tiny drum. “I have no gift to bring,” he sings with an honest posture of humility and yet. . .he offers the best of his ability, presenting his gift back to the Giver. What can we give to the King this year? What gift can your family, your children offer the Giver? Prepare something together – a song or a story – or encourage each family member to create their own, unique offering. Whatever we bring he accepts with love and gratitude; our gifts bring joy to his kingly heart.
Ask him to stay. To linger. . .to take up residence in your hearts and home this year. We often rush through the season, moving on to the new year without sitting with the wonder, letting it soak into the depths of our souls. He deserves a place to stay, more than merely passing through. Make room for him by continuing your family devotion or worship time. While the focus is already on Jesus, talk this week as a family about how you plan to welcome him into your home on a regular basis. Create space in your schedule in 2016 for more intentional time with Jesus.
It’s so easy to move through Christmas week in the hustle and bustle of it all without even turning our gaze in his direction. Stop and focus in the coming days and allow the presence of Jesus to calm your spirit and fill your heart.
Do you have a specific way you try to focus on Jesus throughout Christmas week? We’d love to hear about it! Share in the comments.
Praying for grace and beauty to rule your hearts this week!
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