Bringing Jesus Birth back into Christmas:
Over the years things have changed, the Christmas-giving spirit has died, it’s all about who gets the biggest gift. Christmas has become a festive season and it is very stressful. People just celebrate it mindlessly giving elaborate unattached gifts, going broke, and drinking their heads off. Let’s remember the main reason for Christmas and let’s do it differently as Christian Mamas this Christmas.
I remember growing up and Christmas was the most beautiful time for the family. My heart was always excited but as the years have gone by, the joyful, playful, fun, old-fashioned Christmas times and traditions have disappeared. Singing carols and hymns, hot chocolate by the fire, stories of Jesus, warm fuzzy socks and scarves grandma made, Christmas lights and deco, dress up, love and laughter. All gone. God says it’s time to bring back His joy and His glory.
The story of Jesus Birth:
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by [the power of] the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her [promised] husband, being a just and righteous man and not wanting to expose her publicly to shame, planned to send her away and divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a Son, and you shall name Him Jesus (The Lord is salvation), for He will save His people from their sins.” All this happened in order to fulfill what the Lord had spoken through the prophet [Isaiah]: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and give birth to a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel”—which, when translated, means, “God with us.” Then Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him, and he took Mary [to his home] as his wife, but he kept her a virgin until she had given birth to a Son [her firstborn child]; and he named Him Jesus (The Lord is salvation).” â€â€Matthew‬ â€1‬:â€18‬-â€25‬ â€AMP‬‬
How to celebrate Jesus’ Birth, this Christmas: (How to have a Christ-Centered Christmas)
đź«’Pray and ask Holy Spirit to guide you.
đź«’Give something thoughtful, sentimental and intentional to the person you are giving.
đź«’Give something that will last, something sustainable.
đź«’Give experiences compared to meaningless elaborate gifts.
đź«’Give something handmade jams, gifts, something sewn or crocheted, homemade kitchen goods, homemade self-care, skincare kits, hot chocolate mugs, cookies, potpourri stove top, etc
đź«’Give something they can use over and over.
đź«’Give something natural that won’t pollute the Earth.
đź«’Give them something for self-care and to help them relax.
đź«’Tell someone about Jesus. Give Jesus. Tell your children the story of Jesus.
đź«’Give to the homeless.
đź«’Forgive someone who hurt you or a debt.
đź«’Visit the sick, elderly, those in prison etc
đź«’Invite a mama and her children for lunch or dinner (whom you know is struggling or going through a tough time)
đź«’Encourage someone with God’s Word.
đź«’Give a Christian based gift.
đź«’Opt for something peaceful and quiet, celebrating God out in nature.
đź«’Take some time off away from the noise to spend one-on-one time with God.
đź«’Spend time with your family and loved ones without any distractions. Give them your full attention at least for an hour. Listen to them, converse with them. Love and offer hugs.
đź«’Decorate your Christmas tree with natural elements and elements from nature.Â
đź«’Cook or bake a homemade meal from scratch involving your family.
đź«’Praise and worship God.
đź«’Take a rest and relax in God’s presence. Allow Him to calm your storm.
“6 But Peter said, ‘I don’t have any silver or gold, but I do have something to give you: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!’ 7 Peter took him by the right hand, and raised him up. Immediately his feet and ankles were given strength. 8 He leaped up, stood, and began to walk. He went with Peter and John into the temple. He was walking, leaping, and praising God.”
Acts 3:6-8
13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in highest heaven,
and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” 15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
Luke 2:13-15
“I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.” â€â€Ecclesiastes‬ â€3‬:â€12‬-â€13‬ â€KJV‬‬
Further reading:
Matthew 2:1-12 the Visit of the Magi
Luke 2:1-20 The Shepherds Visit
Luke 2:21-38 Jesus at the temple
May you find God’s joy, peace and rest in this festive season through the Holy Spirit and in Jesus. Remember to have an old-fashioned Christ-Centered Christmas,
Shalom and Thank you Jesus.
Following His Ways,
Natasha Chetty.
