Keep Christ in Christmas: 9 Ways to Keep Jesus Central
“Who wants to go on an adventure?” I ask the kids as we drive through farm country on a frigid Saturday afternoon. As the darkness of impending winter presses tighter, we could all use the reminder that the Light of the world has come. We could use the reminder to keep Christ in Christmas when the festivities threaten to draw our attention away from him.
Keep Christ in Christmas
Two hours later, we bundle in mittens, heavy winter coats, stocking caps, and heavy boots. Perspiration beads on my forehead as I slide the final mitten over the little one’s fingers.
Managing to pile out the door on the cusp of darkness, we climb into the truck and head for the Christmas light show at the local animal safari park.
The questions pour from the backseat throughout the entire drive to the familiar animal park: “How many people will be there? Do you think it’ll be busier than it is in the summer? Can we touch the lights? Will the animals be sleeping or awake?”
We have a season pass and visit the park often throughout the summer months; tonight it feels like we’re going for the first time.
We’ve never been here in the dark—never ventured out to see the park adorned with colorful Christmas lights.
The World’s Lights and Light of the World
Ten minutes later, we’re meandering through the park.
The goose pond sleeps silver beneath the sheen of illuminated flowers and figurines.
The kids gallop around the park and cheer for the giant Christmas trees, Santa’s sleigh, singing reindeer, caroling penguins, and emblazoned decorations around every turn.
We’re nearing the end of the adventure—our toes are chilled, we’ve posed with Santa, and we’ve seen every decoration no less than three times—when Caleb grabs my arm and points to the camel pen.
“That’s the best decoration,” he says.
At first, I think he’s pointing to the camel.
“Not the camel. Look behind the camel,” he voices.
That’s when I see it.
On the far end of the camel’s pasture, the best decoration of all shines into the darkness. Outlined in glowing bulbs, Mary and Joseph huddle close while shepherds gather near. The scene reminds us that the Light has come to the world.
All three kids stop to stare, and we pause in a moment of unplanned reverence.
I consider the great paradox of our world’s modern-day Christmas celebration: Even from outer space, glowing bands of Christmas lights are scattered across the earth and declare the glory of God. Meanwhile, much of the world remains in the dark, overlooking the true reason for the celebration: Jesus, the Light of the world has come, and the Light of the world has changed everything.
The True Light of the world has come, and the Light of the world has changed everything. #Christmas #Jesus #Light Share on X
Keep Christ in Christmas: Imagine Life Without the Light
Later that night, we light another Advent candle, and I read from our daily reading: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn” (Isaiah 60:1-3, NIV).
I can’t help but consider how different our world would be if the Light had never come.
We would still be separated from God.
However, the Light has come, and he tore the veil that separated us from God. He ripped it wide open, and he now offers his Light to penetrate even the darkest parts of our hearts.
No darkness is too dark for him.
No one has fallen so far that he cannot reach out and save them.
He calls us to come to him as we are. We don’t have to get it together first because he takes our messes and our brokenness, and he does the work of setting us free.
This month, as the world is set aglow with sparkling Christmas lights, may we praise the One who came to turn our darkness into light.
He is the Light of the world, and he has come to save us all. Let’s soak in this truth as we aim to keep Christ in Christmas. Here are some practical ways to keep Jesus at the center this Christmas.
Practical Ways to Keep Christ in Christmas:
1. Visit a live nativity.
2. Sing happy birthday to Jesus (with a cake and candles) on Christmas morning.
3. Read an Advent devotional throughout the weeks leading up to Christmas.
4. Light Advent candles.
5. Volunteer at a local food bank, homeless shelter, nursing home, or community center.
6. Bake cookies to share with elderly neighbors or friends.
7. Watch Christ-centered Christmas movies and listen to Christian music.
8. Celebrate Christmas Eve or Christmas Day by going to a church service.
9. Soak in the following truths about the light of Christ:
Bible Verses About Christ’s Light
1. Jesus is the Light of the world.
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’” (John 8:12).
2. In a dark world, the Lord is our light.
“Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light” (Micah 7:8).
3. Darkness cannot overcome the light.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).
4. The Lord turns our darkness into light.
“For it is you who light my lamp; the LORD my God lightens my darkness” (Psalm 18:28).
5. Walking in the light brings us into cleansing fellowship.
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).
6. We are called to proclaim the praises of the one who called us out of the darkness.
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
7. We are called to shine like lights in the world.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).
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As we prepare to celebrate Christmas this month, let’s let the sparkling lights lead us back to these truths. Let’s remind ourselves that this festive month is more than a cultural celebration. We are celebrating the coming of the Light of the world.
Let's remind ourselves that this festive month is more than a cultural celebration. We are celebrating the coming of the Light of the world. #lightoftheworld #Jesus #ChristatChristmas Share on XAn Advent Devotional to Help You Draw Near to the Light of the World This Month:
It’s not too late to start the daily habit of reading an Advent devotional. Still My Soul will help you create space to connect with God in meaningful ways as you prepare your heart to celebrate the birth of Christ this month.
You will be gently invited to slow down, be more present within your moments, and cultivate gratitude instead of stress. Get your eBook right here for just $3.99. 
Two Unique Gifts for the Mothers and Daughters in Your Life
Additionally, my teen daughter, Bekah, and I are passionate about helping moms and daughters grow closer while connecting with God. We have written two mother-daughter devotionals together. Girl to Girl: 60 Mother-Daughter Devotions for a Closer Relationship and Deeper Faith is written for girls ages 7-12. It includes 60 devotions with Scripture, conversation starters, and a shared journaling section after each devotion.
Heart to Heart: A Mother-Daughter Devotional With 50 Devotions for Teen Girls is for teenage girls ages 13-20. It includes 50 devotions, each with a shared journaling section to help moms and daughters connect through writing. This is a great book for moms who want to communicate about awkward topics—like dating, purity, peer pressure, and more—but don’t know where to start. We will help you!
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