3 Practical Ways to Encounter Christ at Christmas

We recently pulled out the Christmas boxes again—a hodgepodge of fake pine, glitter, and the faint aroma of cinnamon spice. As we unpacked the boxes, I reminded myself to remain focused on Christ at Christmas this year.

I thought about Jesus’ presence with us as we stung the colored bulbs on the tree and wrapped the branches with a long burgundy ribbon. The spirit in the room was nothing short of celebratory. Amid the celebration, something within me seemed to stir to life, as if the celebration, itself, was ushering me into Jesus’ presence.

I soon realized that the simple act of celebrating was pushing out worries and cares. I was fully present with our children, and I was deeply aware of Jesus’ presence with us.

How to Draw Near to Christ at Christmas

If we want to encounter Christ at Christmas—and all year long—we can do so by cultivating celebratory spirits.

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our incarnate Savior, what if we set aside our worries about gift-wrapping, cookie-baking, and decorating? Instead, what if we set out to undertake all of our Christmas tasks with celebratory hearts?

Perhaps we would encounter Christ at Christmas like never before.

If cultivating a spirit of celebration resonates with you—and if you want less stress and deeper peace this Christmas—here are a few ways to help you step into the most Christ-centered Christmas ever.

1. Encounter Christ at Christmas by slowing down.

Resist the urge to hurry with all you have this Christmas.

Consider it a fast from hurry if this kind of mentality helps you. Take five minutes each morning, maybe while you shower, make lunches, or before you climb out of bed, and anticipate your upcoming day.

Where will you feel pressure to hurry?

Devise a plan for how you’ll give yourself extra time to eliminate the need to hurry.

I have little kids and a full schedule. I’ve also lived in the professional world where others demand much of me. I know this struggle is real. We won’t always win the battle against hurry in a culture that thrives on productivity. Nevertheless, resist it with all you have.

Give your kids three extra minutes to get out the door before you make the “I’m leaving announcement.” Give yourself five extra minutes to get to work. Accept your lot if you’re running late, and don’t fall to the desire to speed up now to make up for earlier.

The unrushed life is the presently lived life. We cannot fully celebrate the goodness of our moments when we are rushed.

2. Encounter Christ by giving thanks for the hard parts of your calling.

Not long ago, while cleaning a mess made by our kids, God reminded me of a friend who lost her child. This friend once said, “What I wouldn’t give for one more mess to clean.”

Reflecting on her words as I cleaned suddenly felt like an honor more than a begrudging task. It felt like a gift.

Cultivate a life of celebration by giving thanks for the tasks that usually cause you to grumble this year.

As you wrap the presents, think of the family who doesn’t have money to put a single gift beneath the tree.

As you clean your home, thank God for the people who make the messes and fill your life.

Resist the urge to grumble by giving thanks for God’s hidden gifts tucked into even the most challenging parts of your daily work.

3. Encounter Christ at Christmas by turning off the TV.

A movie can be a healthy way to unwind; however, zoning out in front of the TV for hours can lead to a rut that’s hard to escape.

God is the Lord of all creation. When you create, whether it’s a simple piece of artwork, a hand-written note, a new recipe, or a painted wall, God will align your heart with his heart.

Creating something new can be an act of celebration if it’s done with a mind fixed on God’s goodness. Return to childlikeness and dive into a Christmas craft, play a game, or make a snowman in the yard.

Creation is a gateway to celebration.

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Our house is aglow in colorful lights, and the scent of vanilla wafts through the living room on an ongoing basis. It feels like a month-long party, and we hope to keep it going long after the decorations return to their boxes.

A Free Devotional to Help You Encounter Christ at Christmas and Beyond

My free online devotional, Replenish, offers 12 ways to connect with God in less than two minutes. This devotional can be used as a tool to recharge amid a busy day or a quick way to focus on God at the end of long days. Click here for your free devotional.

A Life-Changing Book for Mothers and Daughters:

Lastly, in addition to writing to adults, I am also passionate about ministering to the next generation.

My 12-year-old daughter Bekah and I wrote a mother-daughter devotional book together. We hope to help moms and daughters connect and grow in faith together. Girl to Girl: 60 Mother-Daughter Devotions for a Closer Relationship and Deeper Faith includes 60 devotions with Scripture, commentaries from both of us, conversation starters, and even a shared journaling section.

Our vision is for girls ages 7-17 to enjoy it with their moms, grandmas, or older women they look up to. However, mothers and daughters of all ages are using this book to grow closer together! This book makes a wonderful gift for a mother or daughter you care about!

You can buy your paperback or eBook on Amazon right here.