I’ve been thinking really hard over the past few days about how to craft our Christmas season. How can we focus on Him more? How can we experience the true magic of Christmas?
We’re going to limit our consumption. Read scriptures each day exploring different parts of the big picture of Jesus Christ, the whole arch of his mission. We’re going to try to read a meaningful Christmassy story each night (hopefully I’ll post some of my favorites) around the tree (this is one of my favorite traditions). We’re going to try to help the kids focus on giving rather than getting. And we’re going to do our own simplified version of the 24daysofgiving challenge.
But what else? How can I turn the tone around here away from the jealousy, and fighting and unrest that has crept into our family life over the past few months. How can we turn all of that more towards peace, to joy, to love. Sometimes it seems impossible, like it would take a huge miracle. But you know what? Christmas is miraculous. Jesus is magical. If somehow we can focus more on Christ, on living like Him, learning of Him, I think that the miracle will happen. Of course things aren’t going to perfect around here. Life isn’t meant to be perfect, but I think an increased, deliberate turn towards the light of Christ will help us see beauty in all the imperfection.
Any ideas out there? How can I do less, but do the right things? I would love any suggestions on what you do to stay focused on the real magic at Christmas.
Because the first gift didn't have a bow, it wasn't wrapped. But it was miraculous.
Along these lines, one of my favorite Christmas stories is William Dean Howells's "Christmas Every Day." And of course, "Gift of the Magi" is excellent. And specifically for children, there's Madeleine L'Engle's "The 24 Days Before Christmas," which focuses on Advent.
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